"Testosterone decreases temporomandibular joint nociception"- A systematic review of studies on animal models.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the effect of testosterone on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) nociception. DESIGN: A systematic review of pertinent indexed literature was performed. The focused question addressed was "Is there a connection between testosterone and TMJ nociception?" Original studies were included. In-vitro and ex-vivo studies, case-reports/series, letters to the Editor and commentaries were not sought. Indexed databases were searched without time and language restrictions up to and including September 2021 using different free text key words: testosterone OR "male sex hormones" OR "gonadal hormones" AND "temporomandibular joint" OR "temporomandibular dysfunction" AND nociception AND males. The literature search was performed in accordance with the preferred reporting outcomes of systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool. RESULTS: Out of the 406 studies identified, seven studies on animal-models were included. All studies were performed in rats with age and weight ranging between 21 and 90 days and 200-300 g, respectively. Testosterone was administered in concentrations ranging between 1 and 10 mg/Kg. Results from all studies showed that testosterone administration in gonadectomized male rats reduces induced TMJ nociception. The RoB was high in 3 and unclear in 4 studies. CONCLUSION: Testosterone offers protection against TMJ nociception in male rats; however, from a clinical perspective, potential contribution of testosterone therapy towards the management of TMD remains indeterminate.

Scope of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in Orthodontics and related research: A review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to comprehensively review indexed literature regarding the potential role of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in Orthodontics. METHODS: Indexed databases were searched up to and including January 2019 using the following key words: (a) antimicrobial photodynamic therapy; (b) antimicrobial photodynamic chemotherapy; (c) orthodontic; and (d) orthodontics. Original (clinical and experimental) studies, case-reports, and case-series were included. Letters to the Editor, commentaries and review articles were excluded. RESULTS: Out of the 29 studies identified in the initial search, 4 studies were processed for data extraction. Three studies were randomized clinical trials performed in humans and 1 study was experimental. Results from 2 studies showed that aPDT is effective in the treatment of gingival inflammation in patients undergoing orthodontic therapy (OT). One study showed that oral decontamination can be successfully performed using aPDT among patients undergoing OT. Results of the experimental study showed that aPDT helps in surface decontamination of orthodontic instruments. CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence in indexed literature to justify the potential role of aPDT in OT. Hence, further studies are required in this regard.

Effectiveness of scaling and root planning with and without adjunct antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis among cigarette-smokers and never-smokers: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present short-term randomized clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of scaling and root planing (SRP) with and without adjunct antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP) among cigarette-smokers and never-smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic information was collected using a questionnaire. Cigarette-smokers (group-1) and never-smokers (group-2) with CP were included. Treatment wise, these individuals were divided into two subgroups as follows: (a) SRP alone and (b) SRP with adjunct aPDT. Periodontal parameters (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], clinical attachment loss [AL] and probing pocket depth≥4 mm [PD] were measured at baseline and at 1 month and 3 months' follow-up. Group comparisons were done using the Kruskall-Wallis test. RESULTS: Eighty-three male patients with CP (Group-1: 42 cigarette-smokers and; Group-2: 41 never-smokers) were included. In group-1, individuals that received SRP alone and SRP with adjunct aPDT had a mean history of cigarette smoking of 11.7 ± 0.3 and 12.5 ± 0.4 pack years. At baseline, PI, BOP, PD and clinical AL were comparable among all individuals in groups 1 and 2. At 1 month and 3 months' follow-up, PI (P < 0.05), PD (P < 0.05) and clinical AL (P < 0.05) were higher among all individuals in group-1 compared with group-2. In Group-2, PI, BOP, PD and clinical AL were comparable among all individuals at 1 month and 3 months' follow-up. CONCLUSION: Outcomes of SRP with or without aPDT for the treatment of CP are compromised in cigarette-smokers. Among never-smokers with CP, outcomes of SRP with or without aPDT are comparable. The significance of aPDT in this regard remains questionable.

Influence of corticosteroid therapy on orthodontic tooth movement: A narrative review of studies in animal-models.

The aim was to assess the influence of corticosteroid therapy (CST) on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). A narrative review of studies performed in animal models. Indexed databases were searched up to and including May 2018 to address the following focused question: "Does CST affect OTM?" The following eligibility criteria were imposed: (a) original studies; (b) presence of a control group (OTM without CST); (c) intervention: effect of CST on OTM; and (d) statistical analysis. Quality assessment was performed using the Animal Research Reporting In Vivo Experiment (ARRIVE) guidelines. Case series, case reports, commentaries, historic reviews and letters to the Editor were excluded. Ten studies performed on animal models were included. The experimental duration ranged between 3 and 49 days. Two studies reported that CST decreases the magnitude of OTM, two studies showed no significant influence of CST on OTM, and two studies found that CST increases OTM. Two studies reported CST significantly decreases bone density and increases bone resorption during OTM. In one study, CST significantly decreased orthodontically induced root resorption. The minimum, median and highest scores (out of 20) based on ARRIVE guidelines were 7, 15.5 and 18, respectively. The influence of CST on OTM in animal models remains debatable.

Comparison of peri-implant clinical and radiographic inflammatory parameters among cigarette and waterpipe (narghile) smokers and never-smokers.

BACKGROUND: The authors hypothesized that peri-implant clinical and radiographic inflammatory parameters are worse in waterpipe smokers (WS) and cigarette smokers (CS) compared with never-smokers (NS). The aim of the present retrospective study is to compare peri-implant clinical and radiographic inflammatory parameters among WS, CS, and NS. METHODS: Forty-four CS (group 1), 41 WS (group 2), and 43 NS (group 3) were included. Demographic data were collected using a questionnaire. Peri-implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were measured, and crestal bone loss (CBL) was assessed on standardized digital radiographs. Sample size was estimated, and statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. For multiple comparisons, Bonferroni post hoc test was performed. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Peri-implant PI and PD were higher in groups 1 (P < 0.05) and 2 (P < 0.05) compared with group 3. Peri-implant BOP was significantly higher in group 3 compared with individuals in groups 1 (P < 0.01) and 2 (P < 0.01). Peri-implant total marginal bone loss was significantly higher in groups 1 (P < 0.05) and 2 (P < 0.05) compared with group 3. There were differences in PI, BOP, PD, and CBL among participants in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Peri-implant soft tissue inflammatory parameters and CBL are worse in CS and WS compared with NS. There is no difference in these parameters between CS and WS.

Association between prenatal maternal cigarette smoking and early childhood caries. A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between prenatal maternal cigarette smoking (PMCS) and early childhood caries (ECC) through a systematic review of currently available scientific evidence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To address the focused question: "Is there an association between PMCS and ECC?" an electronic literature search without time or language restrictions was conducted till May 2017 in indexed databases using various key words including dental caries, pregnancy, smoking, tobacco products and child. Letters to the editor, commentaries, reviews, case reports and case series and studies in which, ECC was investigated without clinical dental examination, were excluded. RESULTS: Eight observational cross-sectional studies were included. The number of participants ranged between 1102 and 76920 children with age ranging between 24 months and 72 months. Seven studies reported a positive association between PMCS and ECC. One study reported that children whose mother smoked at least five cigarettes/day during pregnancy presented a higher caries severity level compared with to those whose mothers did not smoke. One study showed no association between ECC and PMCS. CONCLUSIONS: The association between PMCS and ECC remains debatable. Further well-designed longitudinal studies are needed in this regard. Key words:Cigarette, early childhood caries, pregnancy, risk factors, smoking.

Effectiveness of mechanical debridement with and without adjunct antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the treatment of periodontal inflammation among patients with prediabetes.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of mechanical debridement (MD) with and without adjunct antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of periodontal inflammation among patients with prediabetes. METHODS: Demographic information was collected using a questionnaire. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were measured at baseline and at 3 and 6 months' follow-up. TREATMENT: Individuals were randomly divided into 2 groups as follows: (a) Group-1, participants underwent full-mouth MD; and Group-2: participants underwent full-mouth MD with adjunct aPDT. In groups 1 and 2, full-mouth plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing pocket depth (PPD) were measured at baseline and at 3 and 6 months' follow-up. In both groups, full-mouth digital intraoral radiographs were also taken. Sample-size was estimated and statistical analysis was performed with level of significance set as P<0.05. RESULTS: In total, 70 prediabetic male individuals (35 patients in group-1 and 35 in group-2) were included. At baseline, PI, BOP, number of sites with PPD ≥4mm were comparable among individuals in groups 1 and 2. In groups 1 and 2, PI (P<0.05), BOP (P<0.05), number of sites with PPD ≥4mm (P<0.05) were significantly higher at baseline compared with 3 months' follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in PI, BOP, number of sites with PPD ≥4mm at 3 and 6 months' follow-up. At 6 months' follow-up, PI, BOP, number of sites with PPD ≥4mm were comparable to their respective baseline values. There was no statistically significant difference in CBL in both groups at 3 and 6 months' follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in HbA1c levels among individuals in groups 1 and 2 at all-time intervals. CONCLUSION: In the short-term, MD is effective in reducing periodontal inflammation among patients with prediabetes. The contribution of adjunct aPDT in this regard is insignificant.

Self-perceived oral health and periodontal parameters in chronic periodontitis patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis.

AIM: It is hypothesized that self-perceived oral health and periodontal status are worse in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to CP patients without RA. The aim of the present study was to assess self-perceived oral health and periodontal parameters in CP patients with and without RA. METHODS: Fifty CP patients with RA and 50 CP patients without RA were included. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics and self-perceived oral symptoms were collected using a questionnaire. Periodontal parameters (plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, number of missing teeth, and marginal bone loss) were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in socioeconomic status, education status, self-perceived oral symptoms, and periodontal parameters among CP patients with and without RA. CONCLUSIONS: Self-perceived oral health and periodontal parameters are mainly governed by the intensity of CP, and the role of RA in this context seems to be rather secondary.

Efficacy of acellular dermal matrix and autogenous connective tissue grafts in the treatment of gingival recession defects among Asians.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and subepithelial connective tissue grafts (sCTG) in the treatment of Miller class I and II gingival recession (GR) defects. METHODS: Six patients with eight GR sites were randomly assigned to the test group (GR defects treated with ADM) and control group (GR defects treated with sCTG). Recession height (RH) and width, probing depth, keratinized gingiva, clinical attachment level, and full mouth plaque and bleeding scores were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: The differences in mean changes were insignificant between the two groups in all parameters. In both groups, improvements from baseline to 3 and 6 months were significant for mean RH reduction and clinical attachment gain. A significant increase in the mean keratinized gingiva width was observed in both groups at 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSION: ADM and sCTG yield similar outcomes when used in the treatment of GR defects.

Oral manifestations in patients with neurofibromatosis type-1: a comprehensive literature review.

UNLABELLED: Oral health status is jeopardized in patients with neurofibromatosis (NF) type-1 (NF-1). The aim of the present study was to comprehensively review the oral manifestations in NF-1 patients. PubMed/Medline and Google-Scholar databases were explored using different keywords. Reviews, commentaries, letters to Editor and articles published in languages other than English were excluded. RESULTS: Neurofibromas of oral and perioral soft tissues with subsequent periodontitis, impacted and supernumerary teeth, enlarged alveolar process with dental spacing, morphological changes in teeth and class III molar relationship have been reported in NF-1 patients. Plexiform neurofibromas were reported both in oral soft tissue, maxilla and mandible with evidence of malignant transformation in some cases. Facial skeletal abnormalities, including enlargement of mandibular foramen, increased dimensions of the coronoid and sigmoid notches and notching of the posterior border of the mandible have also been reported. Association between dental caries and NF-1 remains unclear.

Effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (with or without oral doxycycline delivery) on glycemic status and clinical periodontal parameters in patients with prediabetes: a short-term longitudinal randomized case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present short-term longitudinal randomized case-control study was to assess the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) (with and without oral doxycycline delivery) on glycemic status and clinical periodontal parameters in patients with prediabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients with prediabetes and periodontal disease were included. Characteristics of the study cohort (age, gender, socioeconomic status [SES] education status, duration of prediabetes, and type of treatment adopted for prediabetes management) were recorded. Patients were randomly divided into two groups (33 patients/group). In group 1, scaling and root planing (SRP) was performed, and in group-2, patients underwent SRP and oral doxycycline (100 mg) administration once daily for 15 days. In each group, the following parameters were investigated at baseline and after 3 months: (a) fasting blood glucose level (FBGL), (b) hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and (c) periodontal parameters (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], probing depth [PD], and clinical attachment loss [AL]). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age, gender, SES, education status, and duration and treatment of prediabetes among individuals in groups 1 and 2. Three months post-NSPT, FBGL and HbA1c were significantly reduced among patients in group 1 (P < 0.05) and group 2 (P < 0.05) compared to baseline. Three months post-NSPT, PI (P < 0.05), BOP (P < 0.05), and PD (P < 0.05) were significantly reduced among patients in group 1 (P < 0.05) and group 2 (P < 0.05) compared to baseline. There was no difference in clinical AL between the groups after 3 months of NSPT. CONCLUSION: NSPT (with and without oral doxycycline delivery) reduces hyperglycemia and periodontal inflammation in patients with prediabetes.

Effect of glycemic control on self-perceived oral health, periodontal parameters, and alveolar bone loss among patients with prediabetes.

BACKGROUND: The effect of glycemic control on severity of periodontal inflammatory parameters in patients with prediabetes is unknown. The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of glycemic control on self-perceived oral health, periodontal parameters, and marginal bone loss (MBL) in patients with prediabetes. METHODS: A total of 303 individuals were included. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose levels (FBGLs) were recorded. Participants were divided into three groups: 1) group A: 75 patients with prediabetes (FBGLs = 100 to 125 mg/dL [HbA1c ≥5%]); 2) group B: 78 individuals previously considered prediabetic but having FBGLs <100 mg/dL (HbA1c <5%) resulting from dietary control; and 3) control group: 150 medically healthy individuals. Self-perceived oral health, socioeconomic status, and education status were determined using a questionnaire. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (AL) were recorded. Premolar and molar MBLs were measured on panoramic radiographs. RESULTS: Periodontal parameters (PI, BOP, PD, and AL) (P <0.01) and MBL (P <0.01) were worse among individuals in group A than those in group B. Self-perceived gingival bleeding (P <0.001), pain on chewing (P <0.001), dry mouth (P <0.001), and oral burning sensations (P <0.05) were worse among patients in group A than those in group B. There was no difference in periodontal parameters, MBL, and self-perceived oral symptoms among patients with prediabetes in group B and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Self-perceived oral health, severity of periodontal parameters, and MBL are worse in patients with prediabetes than controls. Glycemic control significantly reduces the severity of these parameters as well as the state of prediabetes in affected individuals.

Association between glycemic status and oral Candida carriage in patients with prediabetes.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the association between glycemic status and oral Candida carriage among patients with prediabetes. STUDY DESIGN: This was a comparative study of oral Candida carriage among individuals with prediabetes. Oral yeast samples were collected from 150 individuals: group A was 43 patients with prediabetes (fasting blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1c, 100 to 125 mg/dL and ≥5%, respectively); group B was 37 individuals previously considered prediabetic but having fasting blood glucose levels <100 mg/dL and hemoglobin A1c <5%; and group C was 70 medically healthy individuals. Oral yeasts were identified using standard techniques. Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate and number of missing teeth were recorded. RESULTS: Oral Candida was isolated from 100% of patients with prediabetes and from 65.7% of control participants. Candida albicans carriage was higher among patients with prediabetes (48.7%) (P < .01) and patients in group A (51.2%) (P < .01) than among controls (25.7%). Candida carriage, unstimulated whole salivary flow rate, and number of missing teeth were similar in groups A and B. CONCLUSIONS: Oral Candida carriage was higher in patients with prediabetes than in controls and was independent of glycemic status in patients with prediabetes.

Whole salivary interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels in patients with chronic periodontitis with and without prediabetes.

BACKGROUND: The cytokine profile in unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) of patients with prediabetes and chronic periodontitis (CP) remains uninvestigated. The aim of this study is to assess interleukin (IL)-6 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 levels in UWS of patients with CP with and without prediabetes. METHODS: Eighty-eight males (aged 39 to 51 years) were divided into three groups: group 1: 28 patients with CP and prediabetes; group 2: 30 patients with CP and without prediabetes; and group 3: 30 controls. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, periodontal parameters (plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, attachment loss, and marginal bone loss), and number of missing teeth were recorded. UWS samples were collected, and UWS flow rate (UWSFR) was measured. IL-6 and MMP-8 were measured in UWS using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean FBG and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in group 1 (119.3 ± 3.1 mg/dL and 6.1% ± 0.2%) than group 2 (80.1 ± 3.5 mg/dL and 4.8% ± 0.5%; P <0.001) and group 3 (75.3 ± 2.2 mg/dL and 4.3% ± 0.2%; P <0.05). UWSFR was significantly higher in groups 2 (0.53 ± 0.1 mL/minute; P <0.05) and 3 (0.51 ± 0.1 mL/minute; P <0.01) than group 1 (0.33 ± 0.05 mL/minute). Periodontal parameters were worse in group 1 (P <0.05) and group 2 (P <0.05) than group 3. There was no difference in periodontal parameters, numbers of missing teeth, or salivary IL-6 and MMP-8 levels between patients in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: Salivary IL-6 and MMP-8 levels are elevated in patients with CP with and without prediabetes.

Is photodynamic therapy with adjunctive non-surgical periodontal therapy effective in the treatment of periodontal disease under immunocompromised conditions?

The aim was to assess whether or not photodynamic therapy (PDT) with adjunctive scaling-and-root-planing (SRP) is effective in the treatment of periodontitis under immunocompromised conditions. PubMed/Medline and Google-Scholar databases were searched from 1967 to May 2013 using various key words. Six studies (five experimental and one clinical) were included. In the clinical study, SRP with PDT was reported to be ineffective in treating chronic periodontitis in T2DM patients. All experimental studies reported significantly less bone loss in periodontal defects treated with SRP+PDT than those treated with SRP alone. Efficacy of PDT+SRP in the treatment of periodontal disease under immunocompromised conditions remains unclear.

Oral Candida carriage among individuals chewing betel-quid with and without tobacco.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess oral Candida carriage among individuals chewing betel-quid (BQ) with and without tobacco. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective and comparative study of oral Candida carriage among individuals chewing BQ with and without tobacco. Oral yeast samples were collected from 103 BQ-chewers (52 chewing BQ with tobacco and 51 chewing BQ without tobacco) and 100 non-chewers. Candida strains were cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar and identified using the API 32-C System and polymerase chain reaction-DNA sequencing. Tongue lesions were clinically identified and numbers of missing teeth were recorded. Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate was recorded. RESULTS: Oral Candida species were isolated from 72.7% BQ-chewers (73.1% in individuals chewing BQ with tobacco and 72.4% in individuals chewing BQ without tobacco) and 61% non-chewers. CONCLUSION: Chewing BQ (with or without tobacco) does not influence oral Candida carriage.

Clinical efficacy of antibiotics in the treatment of peri-implantitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to review the pertinent literature with reference to the clinical efficacy of antibiotics in the treatment of peri-implantitis. METHODS: To address the focused question 'Are locally and systemically delivered antibiotics useful in the treatment of peri-implantitis?' PubMed/Medline and Google-scholar databases were explored from 1992 until February 2013 using a combination of the following keywords: 'antibiotic,' 'dental implant,' 'inflammation,', 'peri-implantitis' and 'treatment'. Letters to the editor, case-reports and unpublished data were excluded. RESULTS: Ten studies were included. In six studies, peri-implantitis was treated using a non-surgical approach (scaling and root planing), whereas in four studies, a surgical approach was adopted for treating peri-implantitis. In three studies systemic antibiotics were administered and in six studies locally delivered antibiotics were used for treatment. One study used the oral route for antibiotic delivery. In three studies, minocycline hydrochloride was locally delivered as an adjunctive therapy to non-surgical mechanical debridement of infected sites. Nine studies reported that traditional peri-implantitis treatment with adjunct antibiotic therapy reduces gingival bleeding, suppuration and peri-implant pocket depth. In one study, despite surgical debridement of infected sites and systemic antibiotic cover, nearly 40% of the implants failed to regain stability. There was no placebo or control group in eight out of the nine studies included. CONCLUSION: The significance of adjunctive antibiotic therapy in the treatment of peri-implantitis remains debatable.

Role of primary stability for successful osseointegration of dental implants: Factors of influence and evaluation.

A secure implant primary (mechanical) stability is positively associated with a successful implant integration and long-term successful clinical outcome. Therefore, it is essential to assess the initial stability at different time-points to ensure a successful osseointegration. The present study critically reviews the factors that may play a role in achieving a successful initial stability in dental implants. Databases were searched from 1983 up to and including October 2013 using different combinations of various keywords. Bone quality and quantity, implant geometry, and surgical technique adopted may significantly influence primary stability and overall success rate of dental implants.