ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The formation of reactive oxygen species by oral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (oPMNs) is amplified in smokers with chronic periodontitis (CP) causing tissue damage which can be measured by quantifying levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). OBJECTIVE: To quantify and compare the impact of smoking status on oPMN and MDA in individuals with CP before and after scaling and root planing (SRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty individuals were divided into four groups, namely, periodontally healthy (Group A), current smokers with CP (Group B), former smokers with CP (Group C), and nonsmokers with CP (Group D). Parameters assessed were bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level, gingival recession, periodontal inflamed surface area, salivary MDA, and oPMN at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks after SRP. RESULTS: Increased PPD (P = 0.01) and decreased GI (P = 0.021) was noted in Group B as compared to C and D at baseline. Periodontal intervention caused a greater resolution of inflammation in Groups C and D as compared to B as noted from the GI and BOP. A reduction in MDA (P = 0.074) was noted in Groups C and D as compared to B, and oPMN levels were higher (P = 0.009) in Group C and D as compared to B. CONCLUSION: Greater periodontal destruction is seen in current smokers than former and nonsmokers with CP. MDA can be considered as a reliable biomarker for oxidative stress as it directly correlates with the oPMN levels.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Ergonomics is the essential principle behind the health and successful practice for a dentist and dental hygienist. During the procedure of dental Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), a high level of pinch force is exerted by the finger muscles resulting in early muscle fatigue. AIM: This pilot study comparatively evaluated the Pinch Strength (PS) of the finger muscles, prior to and after SRP, amongst dental cohort performing chair-side hand and finger stretches to those not performing the same. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty dental professionals were recruited by purposive sampling for the study and allocated into a test and control group. PS was recorded for both groups following which the test group performed finger stretches comprising of rubber band stretch, tendon glide, finger flexion and extension, thumb flexion and finger webbing. The subjects of both the groups carried out SRP for 30 minutes after which PS was again recorded. Inter-group difference was analysed for variability at baseline and 30 minutes after SRP using independent samples/unpaired t-test. Within group comparison of PS measurement was done using paired t-test. RESULTS: The PS for the test group declined from 14.425±2.577 pounds (lbs) to 13.725±2.557 lbs, while for the control group, a decline in PS from 13.65±2.636 lbs to 10.675±2.478 lbs after SRP was noted. On comparing the difference of means of both groups, a statistically significant result was obtained. CONCLUSION: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders can be reduced by performing a few simple chair-side stretches. These stretches can help prevent the finger muscle fatigue during SRP and thus, increase its efficacy.
ABSTRACT
Aerosol has been considered one of the main concerns in the dental community because of possible risk of infection transmission. Antiseptics used in the form of pre-procedural rinses can reduce aerosol contamination during dental procedures. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride and 0.2% chlorhexidine pre-procedural rinses at 47ºC and 18ºC in reducing aerosol contamination during ultrasonic scaling procedures. Forty subjects were divided randomly and equally into four groups: A1 and A2 to receive cetylpyridinium chloride and B1 and B2 to receive chlorhexidine as pre-procedural rinses. Aerosol produced during the ultrasonic scaling procedure was collected on blood agar plates at three different locations, which were incubated at 37ºC for 48 hours and analysed for bacterial colony forming units (CFU). Cetylpyridinium chloride (0.05%) as a pre-procedural rinse was found to be equally effective in reducing aerosol contamination when compared with 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse (p > 0.05). Also, greater reduction of CFU was found with the use of tempered rinses at 47ºC with a highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Cetylpyridinium chloride (0.05%) can be considered as a promising alternative to the gold standard 0.2% chlorhexidine, with tempering the rinse showing the definite edge.
