Experimental Model of Ligature-Induced Peri-Implantitis in Mice.

Dental implants have a high success and survival rate. However, complications such as peri-implantitis (PI) are highly challenging to treat. PI is characterized by inflammation in the tissues around dental implants with progressive loss of supporting bone. To optimize dental implants' longevity in terms of health and functionality, it is crucial to understand the peri-implantitis pathophysiology. In this regard, using mouse models in research has proven clear benefits in recreating clinical circumstances. This study aimed to describe an experimental model of ligature-induced peri-implantitis in mice and determine whether there is effectiveness in inducing this disease, given the observed bone and tissue changes. The experimental peri-implantitis induction comprehends the following steps: teeth extraction, implant placement, and ligature-inducted PI. A sample of eighteen 3-week-old C57BL/6J male mice was divided into two groups, ligature (N=9) and control non-ligature (N=9). The evaluation of clinical, radiographical, and histological factors was performed. The ligature group showed significantly higher bone loss, increased soft tissue edema, and apical epithelial migration than the non-ligature group. It was concluded that this pre-clinical model can successfully induce peri-implantitis in mice.

"Evaluation of 4 and 8 weeks of healing in a murine implant model".

Dental implants are increasing in prevalence as desirable options for replacing missing teeth. Unfortunately, implants come with complications, and animal models are crucial to studying the pathophysiology of complications. Current murine model experiments can be lengthy, with eight weeks of extraction socket healing before implant placement. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of decreasing extraction healing time from eight to four weeks in a dental implant mouse model. Thirty-one three-week-old C57BL/6J male mice underwent maxillary first and second molar extractions followed by eight (control) or four (test) weeks of extraction socket healing before implant placement. Mice were euthanized after four weeks of implant osseointegration. Samples were analyzed via microcomputed tomography and histology. When mice received implants four weeks following extractions, there was no statistical difference in initial bone crest remodeling or surrounding bone volume compared to those after eight weeks of healing. Histologically, the hard and soft tissues surrounding both groups of implants displayed similar alveolar bone levels, inflammatory infiltrate, osteoclast count, and collagen organization. A four-week extraction healing period can be utilized without concern for osseointegration in a murine implant model and is a viable experimental alternative to the previous eight weeks of healing. While small animal implant models are less directly applicable to humans, advancements in experimental methods will ultimately benefit patients receiving dental implants through improved prevention and treatment of complications. Subsequent research could investigate occlusal effects or whether healing time affects prognosis following induction of peri-implantitis.

The potential impact of periodontitis on cerebral small vessel disease.

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a term used to describe abnormalities in the intracranial microvasculature affecting small arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and venules. The etiology of these conditions is not fully understood but inflammation appears to play a significant role. Periodontal diseases have been associated with conditions such as stroke and dementia, which are clinical consequences of CSVD. Periodontitis is a highly prevalent chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease regulated by the host immune response against pathogenic bacterial colonization around the teeth. The inflammatory response and the microbial dysbiosis produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that can reach the brain and promote local changes. This review will explore the potential association between periodontitis and CSVD by assessing the impact of periodontitis-induced inflammation and periodontopathogenic bacteria on the underlying mechanisms leading to CSVD. Given the association of periodontitis with stroke and dementia, which are clinical features of CSVD, it may be possible to suggest a link with CSVD. Current evidence linking periodontitis with neuroimaging findings of CSVD enforces the possible link between these conditions.

Association between dental environment stress and sense of coherence in dental students: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to explore associated variables with sense of coherence (SOC), and dental environment stress (DES) in a sample of dental students. All undergraduate (n = 474) and graduate (n = 105) dental students enrolled in the first semester of 2020 at a public university in southern Brazil were invited to participate. Data collection was performed by an online questionnaire, which included information related to sociodemographic and educational characteristics, biopsychosocial factors, aspects related to feelings experienced in the COVID-19 pandemic, and the SOC scale. The study outcome (DES) was measured by a validated tool. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify the associations between the outcome and all independent variables. A total of 408 students were included (response rate: 70.5%). The overall mean score of the DES scale was 73.95 (SD: 24.13). Students with higher SOC scores were observed to have significantly lower DES scores (ßGRADUATE: -0.376; 95%: -0.482 to -0.271; ßUNDERGRADUATE: -0.478; 95%:-0.658 to -0.297). Female undergraduate students (ß: 11.788; 95%CI: 7.161-16.415) had higher DES scores compared with undergraduate male students. In addition, the presence of anxiety symptoms when providing dental care to patients with symptoms or suspected COVID-19 infection was associated with higher DES scores (ß: 10.460; 95%CI: 5.644-15.277) among undergraduate dental students. The level of stress was higher in non-white undergraduate students than white (ß: 8.912; 95%CI: 3.581-14.244). Among both undergraduate and graduate dental students, higher SOC scores were associated with lower DES.

Association between sequelae of COVID-19 with periodontal disease and obesity: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To assess the sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and associated factors, such as obesity and periodontitis in adults. METHODS: The study included 128 individuals aged ≥35 years with a history of a diagnosis of COVID-19 through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), from Pelotas, Brazil. Self-report sequelae from COVID-19 were defined as the primary outcome. A questionnaire containing sociodemographic, medical, behavioral and self-report of sequelae of COVID-19 was applied. A complete periodontal clinical examination was performed. Weight and height were assessed. Uni-, bi- and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance. Additional analyses were performed considering obesity as a subgroup. RESULTS: When considering the whole sample, no statistically significant associations between sequelae of COVID-19 with periodontitis (prevalence ratio [PR]:1.14;95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.80-1.61) and obesity (0.93 [0.68-1.26]) were identified. In the subgroup analysis, considering only individuals with obesity, those diagnosed with generalized periodontitis had 86% higher probability to have sequelae of COVID-19 when compared to individuals with periodontal health or localized periodontitis. However, when only those without obesity were considered, no significant association with periodontal status was detected (0.82 [0.55-1.23). No significant association with periodontal status were observed when the severity of sequelae (no sequelae, 1 sequela, and >1 sequela) were considered (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals diagnosed with obesity and periodontitis have a higher PR of reporting sequelae from COVID-19 compared to individuals with only obesity.

Tratamento de periodontite estágio III localizado grau C em um indivíduo fumante: um relato de caso / Treatment of periodontitis stage III localized grade C in smoker individual: a case report

Objetivo: A periodontite é uma doença infecto-inflamatória que acomete os tecidos de inserção periodontal, e ser fumante representa um risco modificável significativo para todos os graus da doença. Ainda, indivíduos fumantes apresentam uma resposta inflamatória alterada quando comparados a não fumantes. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi reportar um relato de caso de tratamento periodontal de paciente fumante pesado. Relato de caso: O paciente DRS, sexo masculino, 22 anos, foi encaminhado à Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) com a queixa principal de necessidade de "realização de uma limpeza dentária". Na anamnese, relatou fumar 20 cigarros ao dia, há 7 anos (7 maços-ano). Na consulta inicial, foi encontrado índice de placa visível (IPV) de 100% e índice de sangramento gengival (ISG) de 66,67%. Foi encontrado cálculo supragengival como fator retentivo de placa (FRP) em 46,30% dos sítios. Estabeleceu-se o diagnóstico de periodontite estágio III localizado grau C. Os exames periodontais foram realizados por um único pesquisador calibrado e optou-se pelo tratamento periodontal não cirúrgico. Ao exame de 12 meses, o paciente apresentou IPV de 23,45% e ISG de 22,83%. Houve ausência de FRP. De uma forma geral, foi possível constatar a diminuição significativa das bolsas periodontais, bem como o ganho significativo de inserção clínica periodontal. Considerações finais: Dessa forma, é possível concluir a efetividade da terapia periodontal não cirúrgica, aliada à manutenção periodontal e instruções de higiene para o tratamento de periodontite estágio III, grau C, em paciente fumante.(AU)

Objective: Periodontitis is an infect-inflammatory diseases that affects the periodontal attachment tissues, and being smoker represents a significant modifiable risk for all degrees of the disease. Moreover, smokers have an altered inflammatory response when compared to non-smokers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report a case report of periodontal treatment of a heavy smoker. Case report: A patient DRS, male, 22 years old, was referred to the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) with the main complaint of the need to "perform a dental cleaning". During the anamnesis, he reported smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 7 years (7 pack-years). In the initial appointment, a visible plaque index (VPI) of 100% and a gingival bleeding index (GBI) of 66.67% were found. Supragingival calculus was found as a plaque retentive factor (PRF) in 46.30% of the sites. The diagnosis of periodontitis stage III localized grade C was established. Periodontal examinations were performed by a single calibrated researcher and non-surgical periodontal treatment was chosen. At the 12-month appointment, the patient had an VPI of 23.45% and an GBI of 22.83%. There was absence of PRF. In general, it was possible to observe a significant decrease in periodontal pockets, as well as a significant gain in periodontal clinical attachment. Final considerations: Thus, it is possible to conclude the effectiveness of non-surgical periodontal therapy, combined with periodontal maintenance and hygiene instructions for the treatment of periodontitis stage III localized grade C in a smoker.(AU)

Association between history of academic failure during dental school and self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress: A retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between history of academic failure (HAF) and self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate dental students. METHODS: This study involved 244 dental students from one university. An online questionnaire collected information on the following variables: socioeconomic status, behavior, use of licit/illicit drugs, and the choice of dentistry as an undergraduate field of study. The 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was applied. HAF in at least one subject during a participant's undergraduate tenure was defined as the main outcome. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed for the variable "dentistry as the first choice for undergraduate studies." RESULTS: The prevalence of HAF was 25.00% (n = 61). Among those students, the mean number of academic failures was 5.41 ± 6.38 (range: 1-33). Higher rates of HAF were observed among older and non-white dental students. Moreover, those who self-reported at least severe depression presented a 79% higher HAF prevalence ratio (PR) (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.15-2.80). Similar findings were detected among those who reported (PR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.06-4.46) or did not report (PR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.10-4.46) interest in dentistry as a first undergraduate option. Conversely, among women and students who did not choose dentistry as their first option, HAF was significantly lower (PR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.21-0.80). CONCLUSION: Higher HAF rates are observed in students who are older, non-white, and self-report at least severe depression. However, dentistry as a first option for undergraduate studies was not associated with HAF.

Association between different dietary patterns and eating disorders and periodontal diseases.

Periodontal diseases is a highly prevalent chronic condition regulated by the host immune response to pathogenic bacterial colonization on the teeth surfaces. Nutrition is a critical component in the modulation of the immune system, hence the importance of a balanced diet. With the understanding of how dietary intake composition affects various health outcomes, nutrient diversity has been reported as a modifiable risk factor for periodontal disease. Eating disorders and different dietary patterns can be associated with periodontal diseases. In this sense, balanced and healthy nutrition plays a major role in maintaining the symbiosis between oral microbiota and periodontal health. Therefore, this review seeks to report the associations found in the literature between high- or low-fat/sodium/sugar, eating disorders and periodontal diseases. It was found that some dietary patterns such as high carbohydrate/sugar, high fat, and low fiber intake may be associated with periodontal disease. In addition, the presence of eating disorders can negatively impact patients' oral health and it is related to the development of several complications, including periodontal diseases. In both situations, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies can aggravate the periodontal condition. However, the relationship between periodontal disease, dietary patterns, and eating disorders still needs more scientific support to be well established, mainly in the sense of pointing out a protective relationship between both.

Effect of mouthwashes on gingival healing after surgical procedures: A systematic review.

The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature regarding the effect of different mouthwashes on gingival healing after oral surgery in adults. Searches were conducted in seven databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials Registry, Embase, LILACS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to April 2022. The selection of studies, data extraction, and risk of bias appraisal were performed independently by two reviewers, and a third researcher was consulted to resolve disagreements. Data syntheses were presented narratively for the different criteria of gingival wound healing. Among 4502 articles retrieved from the databases, 13 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the present review. Chlorhexidine was the most frequent mouthwash studied (eight studies) and was used in different concentrations and combinations. Cetylpyridinium chloride, H2 Ocean Sea Salt, Commiphora molmol 0.5%, chlorhexidine 0.12%, and essential oils reported better healing than a negative control. However, the uncertain risk of bias in most RCTs included in this review precludes definitive conclusions. Well-designed RCTs are therefore still needed in this area.

Associação do desempenho acadêmico com estresse, ansiedade e depressão em estudantes de graduação em Odontologia: estudo transversal / Asociación del rendimiento académico con el estrés, la ansiedad y la depresión en estudiantes de pregrado en odontología: estudio transversal / Association between academic performance with stress, anxiety and depression among undergraduate dental students: across-sectional study

O estudo objetivou analisar a associação entre o desempenho acadêmico e a prevalência autorrelatada de ansiedade, depressão e estresse em alunos de graduação em Odontologia de uma universidade pública brasileira.Os estudantes participaram da pesquisa por meio de um questionário disponibilizado no Google Forms,contemplando variáveis exploratórias, como idade, sexo, cor da pele, uso de ansiolíticos ou antidepressivos e atividades remuneradas. A escala traduzida e adaptada "Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21" (DASS-21) foi utilizada para aferir os sintomas de ansiedade, estresse e depressão. O desempenho acadêmico foi quantificado como baixo para notas <7 pontos e bom para≥7 pontos, considerando a média geral do estudante. Regressões logísticas foram realizadas para verificar a razão de chance entre desempenho acadêmico e os domínios da escala DASS-21. Foram feitas, também análises de subgrupo comparando o sexo dos estudantes (p<0,05).A amostra final avaliou 244 estudantes. Foi observado que os estudantes com depressão moderada apresentaram maior chance de terem baixo rendimento acadêmico, quando comparados com aqueles com depressão normal ou leve (RC:2,41; IC95%:1,10-5,29). Na análise de subgrupo foi demonstrado que, somente ao se considerar o sexo masculino, aqueles com depressão pelo menos moderada apresentaram maior chance de baixo rendimento acadêmico (RC:4,10; IC95%:1,19-14,19).O baixo rendimento acadêmico esteve significativamente associado aos estudantes comdepressão pelo menos moderada. Além disso, indivíduos do sexo masculino com depressão pelo menos moderada apresentaram maior ocorrência de baixo desempenho acadêmico (AU).

El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la asociación entre el rendimiento académico y la prevalencia autorreportada de la ansiedad, la depresión y el estrés en estudiantes de pregrado en odontología de una universidad pública brasileña. Los estudiantes participaron en la investigación a través de un cuestionario disponible en Google Forms, que contemplaba variables exploratorias como la edad, sexo, color de piel, uso de ansiolíticos o antidepresivos y actividades remuneradas. Para medir los síntomasde ansiedad, estrés y depresión se utilizó la escala traducida y adaptada "Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21" (DASS-21). El rendimiento académico se cuantificó como bajo para calificaciones <7 puntos y bueno para ≥7 puntos, considerando el promedio general del estudiante. Se realizaron regresiones logísticas para verificar la razón de posibilidades entre el rendimiento académico y los dominios de la escala DASS-21. También se realizaron análisis de subgrupos comparando el sexo de los estudiantes (p<0,05). La muestra final evaluó a 244 estudiantes. Se observó que los estudiantes con depresión moderada tenían mayor probabilidad de tener bajo rendimiento académico, en comparación con aquellos con depresión normal o leve (OR:2,41; IC95%:1,10-5,29). En el análisis de subgrupos se demostró que, considerando solo el sexo masculino, aquellos con depresión al menos moderada tenían mayor probabilidad de bajo rendimiento académico (OR:4.10; IC95%:1.19-14.19). El bajo rendimiento académico se asoció significativamente con estudiantes con depresión al menos moderada. Además, los individuos del sexo masculino con depresión al menos moderada tuvieron una mayor incidencia de bajo rendimiento académico (AU).

This study analyzed the association between academic performance and self-reported anxiety, depression and stress among undergraduate dental students at a Brazilian public university. Students participated via a questionnaire, available on Google Forms, which involved exploratory variables such as age, sex, ethnicity/skin color, use of anxiolytics or antidepressants and remunerated activities. The translated and adapted Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to measure participants' symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. Academic performance was quantified as "poor" for grades <7 points or "good" for ≥7 points, referring to the student's overall average. Logistic regressions were performed to verify the odds ratio (OR) between academic performance and the domains of the DASS-21. Subgroup analyses were also performed to compare the sex of the participants (p<0.05). The final sample evaluated 244 students. It was observed that students with moderate depression were more likely to exhibit poor academic performance when compared to those with normal or mild depression (OR:2.41; 95%CI:1.10­5.29). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that male participants with at least moderate depression had a greater chance of poor academic performance (OR:4.10;95%CI:1.19­14.19). Poor academic performance was significantly associated with students with at least moderate depression. In addition, male individuals with at least moderate depression had a higher occurrence of poor academic performance (AU).

Association between oral hygiene and gingival abrasion in a rural population in southern Brazil: A multilevel secondary analysis.

AIM: To evaluate associations between oral hygiene and gingival abrasion (GA) in a rural population from southern Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based sample representative of individuals from a rural community in southern Brazil was included. Individuals aged 15 years or older and who had five teeth or more present were selected for this analysis. GA extent was defined as the total number of abrasions per individual. An adjusted multilevel negative binomial regression analysis was used to investigate the associations between site-, tooth- and individual-level variables and GA. Mean ratios (MR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Five hundred ninety-five dentate individuals aged 15-82 years were analysed. In the adjusted models, brushing more than twice a day (MR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.02-1.26) and brushing with a hard/medium-bristle toothbrush (MR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.01-1.23) were significantly associated with more generalized GA. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of GA was independently associated with greater brushing frequency and the use of a toothbrush with harder bristles in residents of a rural area.

Poor Quality of Sleep is Associated with Lower Academic Performance in Undergraduate Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the quality of sleep and associated factors among dental students. Methods: All dental students regularly enrolled at the Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil, were invited to participate. A structured online questionnaire was applied to collect the independent variables, including academic performance. Quality of sleep was assessed by the validated version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Sample was dichotomized as good sleep quality (total score: ≤ 4) and at least poor quality (total score: ≥ 5). Adjusted analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance to detect the association between sleep quality and independent variables. Independent adjusted models were performed to the whole-sample, only undergraduate and only graduate dental students. Results: Poor quality of sleep was detected in 266 (65.2%) dental students, of which 228 (68.9%) and 38 (49.4%) were undergraduate and graduate dental students, respectively. Female students presented a prevalence ratio (PR) 19% higher compared to males (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.41). When only graduate students were considering, those that reported not being the head of the family presented a PR 4.39 higher for poor quality of sleep (95% CI 1.91-10.09). Poor quality of sleep was associated with lower academic performance among undergraduate students (PR: 0.94; 95% CI 0.89-0.99), but not significantly associated when graduate students are considered (PR: 0.99; 95% CI 0.96-1.03). Conclusion: It was concluded that dental students, mainly female ones, have high prevalence of poor quality of sleep, which is associated with undergraduate student's worst academic performance. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41782-022-00223-2.

Factors associated with poor academic performance among undergraduate dental students: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors associated with poor academic performance among undergraduate dental students enrolled at a public university in Brazil. METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire addressing the exploratory variables of interest (sociodemographic and economic characteristics, use of medications and drugs, dentistry as the first choice of undergraduate course, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) was hosted on Google Forms and shared with all dental students at the Federal University of Pelotas. Academic performance was evaluated based on institutional records, access to which the participants had previously authorized; students with good (average ≥7.0 points) or poor academic performance (average <7.0 points) were considered. Adjusted logistic regressions were performed to verify the association between academic performance and the exploratory variables (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In total, 244 students were included, of whom 18.8% had poor academic performance. Increased age (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.18-1.52), non-white skin color (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.18-1.52), the use of medications for anxiety and depression (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.18-1.52), and poor sleep quality (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.18-1.52) were factors associated with poor academic performance. CONCLUSION: A low prevalence of poor academic performance was observed. Non-white skin color, increased age, use of anxiolytics or antidepressants, and poor or disturbed sleep may reduce dental students' academic performance.

Temporomandibular joint involvement in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to identify the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). DESIGN: Systematic literature searches were performed on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases (up to April 2022). Studies with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) in adults with AS were included. TMJ outcomes were extracted and analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: From 527 potentially eligible studies, 22 were included. A total of 4309 individuals with AS were evaluated, aged between 18 and 80 years, being males approximately 65% of the sample. Signs and symptoms of pain, tenderness to palpation on TMJ and masticatory muscles, joint noises (i.e., clicking or crepitus), limited mouth opening, disc displacement, and radiographic changes were often observed. CONCLUSION: The available evidence shows that different signs and symptoms of TMD co-occur with AS disease, with a higher prevalence of TMD observed in individuals with AS than in individuals without AS. Indeed, it seems that individuals suffering from AS disease have an increased risk of developing TMD.

Association between dental environment stress and sense of coherence in dental students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore associated variables with sense of coherence (SOC), and dental environment stress (DES) in a sample of dental students. All undergraduate (n = 474) and graduate (n = 105) dental students enrolled in the first semester of 2020 at a public university in southern Brazil were invited to participate. Data collection was performed by an online questionnaire, which included information related to sociodemographic and educational characteristics, biopsychosocial factors, aspects related to feelings experienced in the COVID-19 pandemic, and the SOC scale. The study outcome (DES) was measured by a validated tool. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify the associations between the outcome and all independent variables. A total of 408 students were included (response rate: 70.5%). The overall mean score of the DES scale was 73.95 (SD: 24.13). Students with higher SOC scores were observed to have significantly lower DES scores (βGRADUATE: -0.376; 95%: -0.482 to -0.271; βUNDERGRADUATE: -0.478; 95%:-0.658 to -0.297). Female undergraduate students (β: 11.788; 95%CI: 7.161-16.415) had higher DES scores compared with undergraduate male students. In addition, the presence of anxiety symptoms when providing dental care to patients with symptoms or suspected COVID-19 infection was associated with higher DES scores (β: 10.460; 95%CI: 5.644-15.277) among undergraduate dental students. The level of stress was higher in non-white undergraduate students than white (β: 8.912; 95%CI: 3.581-14.244). Among both undergraduate and graduate dental students, higher SOC scores were associated with lower DES.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms among dental students is influenced by sex, academic performance, smoking exposure, and sexual orientation: cross-sectional study

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported depressive symptoms in undergraduate and graduate dental students. Methods: The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was applied, and only the depression domain was verified. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, behavioral, and COVID-19 pandemic-related fear variables. Academic performance was assessed based on academic records, ranging from 0 (worst possible grade) to 10 (best possible grade). Respondents included 408 regularly enrolled dental students. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance to verify the association between at least moderate depressive symptoms and independent variables. Results: The prevalence of at least moderate depression was 40.5% among undergraduate students and 26% among graduate students. The prevalence of fear and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic was 96.1% among undergraduate students and 93.5% among graduate students. In the final multivariate analysis, being female (prevalence ratio [PR]:2.01; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]:1.36­2.96) was associated with a higher PR for depression. Conversely, no exposure to smoking (PR:0.54; 95%CI:0.36­0.82) and a final academic performance average ≥7.0 (PR:0.56; 95%CI:0.41­0.76) was associated with a lower PR for depression. Finally, among graduate students, a non-heterosexual orientation was associated with a higher PR for depression (PR:6.70; 95%CI:2.21­20.29). Conclusion: Higher rates of depression symptoms were observed in female undergraduates, students with lower academic performance and smoking exposure, and graduate dental students with a non-heterosexual orientation

Immunohistochemistry of resorption and inflammation factors in the periodontal ligament of human deciduous teeth.

The understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in root resorption in deciduous teeth is important to the future development of preventive measures and treatments of this condition. The aim of the present study was to compare the expression and immunostaining of iNOS, MMP-9, OPG and RANKL in the periodontal ligament (PDL) of deciduous teeth with physiologic root resorption (GI), inflammatory pathological root resorption (GII) and permanent teeth (GIII), the negative control. Teeth in GI (n = 10), GII (n = 10) and (GIII) (n = 10) were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis to determine the expression of iNOS, MMP-9, OPG, and RANKL. The immunostaining was analysed by optical density. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test (p < 0.05). The results showed that iNOS, MMP-9 and RANKL expression in the PDL was higher in GII compared to GI and GIII (p < 0.05). Moreover, RANKL expression was higher in GI compared to GIII (p < 0.001), while OPG immunolabelling was lower in GII compared to GI and GIII (p < 0.001). The PDL of deciduous teeth bearing inflammatory processed exhibited upregulation of resorption-associated factors as well as enzymes related to tissue degradation which, in turn explains the exacerbation and greater susceptibility of those teeth to root resorption process.

Higher frequency of specific periodontopathogens in hypertensive patients. A pilot study.

Periodontitis and arterial hypertension are two of the pathologies with the highest global prevalence; evidence reported so far has been favorable to an association between them. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate and compare the microbiological counts of hypertensive and normotensive patients with periodontitis. Sociodemographic, behavioral, systemic health data and periodontal clinical parameters were assessed. Counts of A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction using subgingival biofilm samples. Thirty-eight patients were included in this preliminary analysis, divided into two groups: Normotensive Group (NG) (n = 14) and Hypertensive Group (HG) (n = 24). Patients diagnosed with periodontitis composed both groups. Data analysis was performed with significance level of 5%. There was no significant difference between groups for clinical periodontitis diagnosis. In addition, hypertensive individuals had higher P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, and F. nucleatum counts when compared to normotensive individuals. The parameters probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and A. actinomycetemcomitans count did not presented statistical differences between groups. With these preliminary results, it can be concluded that the presence of arterial hypertension may be associated with a greater quantity of periodontopathogenic bacterial of some species in individuals with periodontitis.

Higher frequency of specific periodontopathogens in hypertensive patients. A pilot study

Abstract Periodontitis and arterial hypertension are two of the pathologies with the highest global prevalence; evidence reported so far has been favorable to an association between them. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate and compare the microbiological counts of hypertensive and normotensive patients with periodontitis. Sociodemographic, behavioral, systemic health data and periodontal clinical parameters were assessed. Counts of A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction using subgingival biofilm samples. Thirty-eight patients were included in this preliminary analysis, divided into two groups: Normotensive Group (NG) (n = 14) and Hypertensive Group (HG) (n = 24). Patients diagnosed with periodontitis composed both groups. Data analysis was performed with significance level of 5%. There was no significant difference between groups for clinical periodontitis diagnosis. In addition, hypertensive individuals had higher P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, and F. nucleatum counts when compared to normotensive individuals. The parameters probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and A. actinomycetemcomitans count did not presented statistical differences between groups. With these preliminary results, it can be concluded that the presence of arterial hypertension may be associated with a greater quantity of periodontopathogenic bacterial of some species in individuals with periodontitis.

Resumo A periodontite e a hipertensão arterial são duas das patologias com maior prevalência global, as evidências relatadas até o momento têm sido favoráveis ​​a uma associação entre elas. Este estudo transversal teve como objetivo avaliar e comparar contagem microbiológicas de pacientes hipertensos e normotensos com periodontite. Dados sociodemográficos, comportamentais, de saúde sistêmica e parâmetros clínicos periodontais foram avaliados. Contagens de A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis e F. nucleatum foram realizadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real utilizando amostras de biofilme subgengival. Trinta e oito pacientes foram incluídos nesta análise preliminar, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Normotenso (GN) (n = 14) e Grupo Hipertenso (GH) (n = 24). Pacientes diagnosticados com periodontite compuseram os dois grupos. A análise dos dados foi realizada com nível de significância de 5%. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos para o diagnóstico clínico de periodontite. Além disso, os hipertensos apresentaram maior contagem de P. intermedia, P. gingivalis e F. nucleatum quando comparados aos normotensos. Os parâmetros profundidade de sondagem, sangramento à sondagem e contagem de A. actinomycetemcomitans não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos. Com esses resultados preliminares, pode-se concluir que a presença de hipertensão arterial pode estar associada a uma maior quantidade de bactérias periodontopatogênicas de algumas espécies em indivíduos com periodontite.