Nexus between COVID-19 and periodontal disease.

Over the past several decades, studies have demonstrated the existence of bi-directional relationships between periodontal disease and systemic conditions. Periodontitis is a polymicrobial and multifactorial disease involving both host and environmental factors. Tissue destruction is primarily associated with hyperresponsiveness of the host resulting in release of inflammatory mediators. Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a major role in bacterial stimulation and tissue destruction. In addition, these cytokines are thought to underlie the associations between periodontitis and systemic conditions. Current research suggests that increased release of cytokines from host cells, referred to as the cytokine storm, is associated with disease progression in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An intersection between periodontitis and pulmonary disease is biologically plausible. Hence, we reviewed the evidence linking COVID-19, cytokines, and periodontal disease. Plaque control is essential to prevent exchange of bacteria between the mouth and the lungs, reducing the risk of lung disease. Understanding these associations may help identify individuals at high risk and deliver appropriate care at early stages.

Evaluation of combined efficacy of photodynamic therapy using indocyanine green photosensitizer and non-surgical periodontal therapy on clinical and microbial parameters in the management of chronic periodontitis subjects: A randomized split-mouth design.

BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy of multiple applications of Photodynamic therapy (PDT) needs to be better investigated for the management of chronic periodontitis subjects. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and antimicrobial efficacy of multiple application of PDT as an adjunct to scaling and root planning in management of moderate periodontal pockets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 33 patients with bilateral periodontal destruction in mandibular posterior sextants were randomly treated with either test (SRP + multiplePDT) or control (SRP) intervention. PDT was employed with diode laser(810 nm) and Indocyanine green(ICG) dye at baseline, 1 st, 2nd and 4th week post SRP. Probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI) were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Subgingival plaque samples were analysed for Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a), Tannerella forsythia (T.f), Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.n), Treponema denticola (T.d). RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was noted in all clinical parameters in both the groups from baseline to 3 and 6 months. The mean PPD and CAL decreased in control sites from 5.83 ± 0.64 and 5.60 ± 0.72 at baseline to 3.80 ± 0.40 and 3.70 ± 0.91 at 6 months and in test sites from 5.93 ± 0.82 and 5.73 ± 0.69 to 3.40 ± 0.56 and 3.00 ± 0.91 at 6 months (P ≤ 0.05). Test sites showed significantly greater reduction in P.g, A.a, T.f, F.n and T.d compared to control sites at 3 and 6 months (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The outcomes suggested that adjunctive multiple applications of PDT to SRP shows significant reduction in periodontal pathogens over SRP alone.