Healthy lifestyles and better periodontal health: Results from two large population-based surveys.

AIM: To ascertain whether healthy lifestyles are associated with periodontal diseases in two large-scale surveys in the US (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey - NHANES) and the UK Biobank. METHODS: 9854 US adults and 111 679 UK adults were included in the analyses. A healthy lifestyle score (HLS), ranging between 0 and 5, was calculated based on the reported number of healthy behaviours, including never smoking, no heavy alcohol consumption, top third of leisure-time physical activity, higher dietary quality, and ideal sleep duration. The prevalence of periodontal diseases was the primary outcome in both surveys. In the NHANES, periodontal status was assessed through a full-mouth periodontal examination, while in the UKB, only self-reported periodontal status was available. RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses confirmed that the presence of at least 2-3 healthy behaviours (vs. 0-1) was associated with lower odds of overall and severe periodontitis (ORs 0.5, 0.4-0.6; p < .001 and 0.5, 0.3-0.8; p = .003, respectively) in the NHANES, and of bleeding gums (OR = 0.9, 0.8-1.0; p = .092) and loose teeth (OR = 0.6, 0.5-0.7; p < .001) in UKB. This association increased when considering prevalence of 4-5 healthy behaviours (vs. 0-1) in both the NHANES (periodontitis: OR = 0.3, 0.2-0.4; p < .001; severe periodontitis: OR = 0.1, 0.01-0.2; p < .001) and the UKB (bleeding gums: OR = 0.8, 0.7-0.9; p < .001; loose teeth: OR = 0.5, 0.4-0.6; p < .001). Mediation analyses revealed how these protective associations could be partially mediated (1-14%) by differences in biomarkers of systemic inflammation (white blood cells and neutrophils count as well as C-reactive protein). CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours is associated with a lower prevalence of periodontal diseases within two large population-based samples. This relationship exhibits a dose-response pattern, implying that greater adherence to healthy habits leads to a more significant protective effect against the odds of periodontal diseases. Additionally, our findings suggest that this protective effect is, in part, mediated by reductions in systemic inflammation.

Treatment of periodontitis and C-reactive protein: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation is implicated in the onset and progression of several chronic diseases. Periodontitis is a potential trigger of systemic inflammation. PURPOSE: To comprehensively appraise all the evidence on the effects of the treatment of periodontitis on systemic inflammation assessed by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. DATA SOURCES: Six electronic databases were searched up to 10 February 2022 to identify and select articles in English language only. STUDY SELECTION: Twenty-six randomized controlled clinical trials reporting changes amongst 2579 participants about CRP levels at 6 months or more after treatment. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted data and rated the quality of studies. Meta-analyses were performed using random and fixed effect models. RISK OF BIAS: Risk of bias (RoB 2.0 tool) and quality of evidence (GRADEpro GDT tool) analyses were completed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Treatment of periodontitis reduced CRP levels by 0.69 mg/L (95% confidence interval: -0.97 to -0.40) after 6 months, but limited evidence was retrieved from studies with longer follow-ups. Similar findings were observed in participants with other co-morbidities in addition to periodontitis. Greatest reductions were observed in participants with concentrations of CRP >3 mg/L at baseline. LIMITATIONS: High level of heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of periodontitis reduces serum CRP levels (up to 6 months follow-up) to a degree equivalent to that observed after traditional lifestyle or drug interventions. This evidence supports a causal association between periodontitis and systemic inflammation.

Invasive dental treatment and acute vascular events: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute infection/inflammation increases the risk of acute vascular events (AVEs). Invasive dental treatments (IDTs) trigger short-term acute inflammation. PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to critically appraise the evidence linking IDTs and AVEs. DATA SOURCES: Six bibliographical databases were searched up to 31 August 2021. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed. STUDY SELECTION: Intervention and observational studies reporting any AVEs following IDT were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted data and rated the quality of studies. Data were pooled using fixed-effect, inverse variance weights analysis. RISK OF BIAS: Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for observational studies and the Cochrane Handbook-Rob 2.0 for randomized controlled trials. DATA SYNTHESIS: In 3 out of 16 clinical studies, a total of 533,175 participants, 124,344 myocardial infarctions, and 327,804 ischaemic strokes were reported. Meta-analysis confirmed that IDT did not increase incidence ratios (IR) for combined vascular events either at 1-4 weeks (IR of 1.02, 95% CIs: 0.92 to 1.13) and at 5-8 weeks (IR of 1.04, 95% CIs: 0.97 to1.10) after treatment. LIMITATIONS: A high level of heterogeneity (study designs and time point assessments) was found. CONCLUSION: Patients who received IDT exhibited no substantial increase in vascular risk over 8 weeks post treatment.

Serum C-Reactive Protein and Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Periodontitis has been associated with low-grade inflammation as assessed by C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and its treatment can decrease CRP serum levels. The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the evidence comparing CRP serum levels (standard and high-sensitivity [hs]) of otherwise healthy patients suffering from periodontitis when compared to controls. The impact of intensive and non-intensive nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on hs-CRP was also investigated. Four electronic databases (Pubmed, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], EMBASE and Web of Science) were searched up to February 2021 and the review was completed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO No. CRD42020167454). Observational and intervention studies that: 1) evaluated CRP and hs-CRP serum levels in patients with and without periodontitis, and; 2) hs- CRP levels after NSPT were included. Following risk of bias appraisal, both qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Pooled estimates were rendered through ratio of means (RoM) random-effects meta-analyses. After screening 485 studies, 77 case-control studies and 67 intervention trials were included. Chronic and aggressive periodontitis diagnoses were consistently associated with higher levels of CRP and hs-CRP (p<0.001). Patients with aggressive periodontitis exhibited on average more than 50% higher levels of CRP (RoM [95% confidence interval [CI]]: 1.56 [1.15; 2.12], p=0.0039) than patients with chronic periodontitis. Intensive NSPT induced an immediate increase of hs-CRP followed by a progressive decrease whilst non-intensive NSPT consistently decreased hs-CRP after treatment up to 180 days (p<0.001). These findings provide robust evidence that periodontitis is associated with systemic inflammation as measured by serum CRP levels. Periodontitis treatment induces a short-term acute inflammatory increase when performed in an intensive session, whilst a progressive reduction up to 6 months was demonstrated when performed in multiple visits.

Comparative evaluation of C-reactive protein and complete blood count in chronic periodontitis patients following Phase I therapy: A serological and hematological study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is an example of persistent low-grade disease. The primary cause for the disease is anaerobic gram-negative bacteria thriving in a protective biofilm in subgingival periodontal pockets. The treatment of this infection is removal of these deposits by mechanical instrumentation (Phase I therapy). This can help achieve reduction of the bacterial load thus suppressing localized inflammation. Phase I therapy or mechanical debridement of the subgingival area causes a severe transient bacteremia along with some damage to the surrounding soft tissue, resulting in a systemic inflammatory response being elicited. The objective of the current study was to comparatively assess periodontal parameters, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and transitory alterations in hematological parameters; in 30-systemically healthy patients having chronic periodontitis, before and after Phase I therapy. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The individuals underwent an intensive session of mechanotherapy with ultrasonic scalers. Blood samples were taken before treatment and at 1, 7, and 30 days after treatment to assess the parameters. RESULTS: There was a clear recuperation in periodontal parameters as well as marked improvement in the values of CRP and complete blood count (CBC) by 30 days after transient alterations occurring initially. CONCLUSION: Phase I (mechanotherapy) - the first step in treatment of periodontitis leads to transient bacteremia by systemic dispersal of bacteria harbored in dental plaque. This produces an acute-phase response resulting in variations in the levels of CRP and the CBC counts. After a month, both periodontal and hematological parameters show marked improvement, thus establishing periodontal health and decreasing the risk of inadvertent cardiovascular or thromboembolic episode.

Ascertaining the regenerative potential of the "gold standard" grafts: Achieving 100% root coverage in Miller's Class III recession with periosteal pedicle graft and autogenous bone.

Recession of the gingiva is defined as the stripping of a portion of the dental root surface as a result of gingival margin shifting apically. Various techniques have been advocated for root coverage. The practice of utilizing periosteal pedicle graft for covering gingival recession defects is a contemporary development. Utilizing bone grafts for hard tissue regeneration has also been implemented. This case report assesses the effectiveness of the surgical approach utilizing autogenous bone and periosteum for recession coverage. A participant with Miller's Class III gingival recession in #23 and #24 was treated using this technique. The loss of periodontal attachment was recorded to be 8 mm and 5 mm on the mid-buccal surface of the upper left canine and first premolar, respectively. Clinical parameters were recorded at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. Complete root coverage was achieved when evaluated from baseline till 12 months, with clinical attachment level and keratinized tissue gain. The results of esthetics in terms of color match and tissue contours were satisfactory to the patient as well as to the clinicians.

Lip repositioning surgery: A pioneering technique for perio-esthetics.

In our esthetic conscious society people are now demanding all types of treatments possible to have a pleasing and attractive personality. A dazzling and beautiful smile can work wonders for anyone's personality. Our smile mirrors our persona, our unique being. However, a beautiful smile comprises of a perfect balance of the white and pink. This imbalance of excessive gingival display (EGD) can be managed by a variety of treatment modalities, depending on accurate diagnosis. This case report demonstrates the successful management of EGD with a lip-repositioning procedure in a patient with incompetent short upper lip. This was accomplished by removing a partial thickness strip of mucosa from the maxillary buccal vestibule and suturing the lip mucosa to the mucogingival line. This resulted in a narrower vestibule and restricted muscle pull, thereby resulting in competent lips and reduced gingival display during smiling.

Are statins really wonder drugs?

Statins [3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase], are wonder drugs that have reshaped the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and associated cardiovascular diseases. However, evidence from various studies indicates existence of many statin-induced side effects such as myopathies, rhabdomyolysis, hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, impaired myocardial contractility, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Physician awareness of these side effects is reported to be very low even for the adverse effects (AEs) most widely reported by patients. This can lead to incorrect treatment decisions, compromised patient care, and an increase in patient morbidity. Therefore, the aim of this article is to highlight the AEs of statin therapy as well as rational management of these complications to further improve safety of these excellent drugs.

Teriparatide: a novel means to ultimately achieve true regeneration!!!

"Perioceutics" or the use of the pharmacological agents which are specifically developed to manage periodontitis, is an interesting and an emerging aid in the management of periodontal diseases, along with mechanical debridement. Host modulation therapies are being proposed and developed to bring down excessive levels of enzymes, cytokines, prostanoids, as well modulate osteoclast functions. Over the past two decades, many drugs have been investigated for their host modulating properties in both animal and early human clinical studies. These agents include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sub antimicrobial dose doxycycline and systemic bisphosphonates. Recently, a new drug has been added to the list, namely, teriparatide, which is a bone forming drug. It is a biosynthetic human parathyroid hormone. Multiple clinical trials have shown that teriparatide is associated with increased bone mineral density. This review has focused on the mechanism of action of teriparatide and its potential role in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Molecular mechanisms involved in the bidirectional relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease.

Both diabetes and periodontitis are chronic diseases. Diabetes has many adverse effects on the periodontium, and conversely periodontitis may have deleterious effects further aggravating the condition in diabetics. The potential common pathophysiologic pathways include those associated with inflammation, altered host responses, altered tissue homeostasis, and insulin resistance. This review examines the relationship that exists between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus with a focus on potential common pathophysiologic mechanisms.

The pleotropic role of statins: Could it be the imminent host modulation agent in periodontics?

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease which represents a primarily anaerobic Gram-negative oral infection that results in gingival inflammation, loss of attachment, bone destruction. Bacterial endotoxins in the form of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that are instrumental in generating a host-mediated tissue destructive immune response by mobilizing their defensive cells and releasing cytokines like Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which lead to tissue destruction by stimulating the production of the collagenolytic enzymes: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Since the host-mediated tissue destruction is to be controlled, various means have been employed for modulating this response. Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors, besides having lipid-lowering abilities also have antioxidant, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and osteomodulatory properties. All of these pleiotropic effects of statins point out to it perhaps becoming the novel host modulation agent in periodontics.