The effect of a multicomponent oral care regimen on gingival inflammation: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Colorimetric analysis of intraoral scans: A novel approach for detecting gingival inflammation

BACKGROUND

Gingivitis, a widely prevalent oral health condition, affects up to 80% of the population. Traditional assessment methods for gingivitis rely heavily on subjective clinical evaluation. This study seeks to explore the efficacy of interpreting the color metrics from intraoral scans to objectively differentiate between healthy and inflamed gingiva.

METHODS

This study used the percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP%) as the clinical reference standard. Intraoral scans, obtained before and after gingivitis treatment using a scanner, were analyzed through a custom MATLAB script to quantify HSV (hue, saturation, value) and CIELAB (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b*) color coordinates. The region of interest was a 2-mm-wide gingival strip along the buccal margin of the maxillary anterior teeth. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between photometric outcomes and continuous, dichotomous, and categorical BOP data. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), as well as sensitivity and specificity measures.

RESULTS

The analysis included clinical and digital color data from 110 scans, adhering to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. The multilevel linear regression analysis underscored a significant correlation between the BOP% and digital color metrics, specifically the CIELAB a* (red-green chroma), CIELAB b* (yellow-blue chroma), and color saturation, with AUC performances of 70%, 79.5%, and 80.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Digital color analysis of intraoral scans has demonstrated a range of performance from acceptable to excellent in distinguishing sites with BOP. This innovative approach presents a promising tool for dentists and researchers in the accurate diagnosis, screening, and management of gingivitis.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Our study focuses on finding a better way to detect gingivitis, a common gum disease affecting many people. Traditional methods rely on the dentist's visual inspection, which can be subjective. We explored the use of color measurements from digital intraoral scans to objectively identify healthy versus inflamed gums. We analyzed 110 scans from 55 participants, examining the color differences in the gums before and after treatment. By measuring specific color values, we achieved up to 80.8% accuracy in distinguishing between healthy and inflamed gums. This method could offer a more reliable tool for dentists and researchers to diagnose and manage gingivitis, leading to better oral health outcomes.

Strategies for the prevention of periodontal disease and its impact on general health: Latin America and the Caribbean Consensus 2024

Periodontal diseases are closely related to non-communicable diseases, and their prevention depends on their link with healthy lifestyle programs. The purpose of this consensus was to summarize and propose preventive strategies at the community, individual, and research levels in Latin America and the Caribbean. A critical review and search strategy was carried out in Pubmed, LILACS, and SCIELO on three topics: a) Social determinants, risk factors, and behavioral changes related to PD throughout the lives of individuals; b) Impact of mechanical and chemical control of plaque for the prevention of gingivitis; c) Impact on prevention of systemic diseases. Relative to public health policies, no consensus was reported in the region. In some countries, periodontal educational strategies, mainly for pregnant women and for other chronic diseases have been implemented, but their impact on primary and secondary prevention has hardly been evaluated. In recent years, a positive aspect has been the implementation of some public policies, including clinical practice guidelines and care pathways. Based on the latest consensus, multicenter educational research and technological strategies were found in the region, but their effectiveness needs to be evaluated in clinical studies. A barrier to the implementation of preventive strategies has to do with the human factor. Therefore, the training of periodontists to be experts in communication strategies, technologies that allow the empowerment of patients for taking care of their periodontal health are required . Moreover, it is necessary to train professionals from other areas of health, who are more aware of the importance of oral health as a healthy lifestyle.

Unveiling the complexity of early childhood caries: Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans cooperative strategies in carbohydrate metabolism and virulence

Objective

To explore the mechanisms underlying the virulence changes in early childhood caries (ECC) caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), with a focus on carbohydrate metabolism and environmental acidification.

Methods

A review of literature was conducted to understand the symbiotic relationship between C. albicans and S. mutans, and their role in the pathogenesis of ECC. The review also examined how their interactions influence carbohydrate metabolism and environmental acidification in the oral cavity.

Results

C. albicans and S. mutans play crucial roles in the onset and progression of ECC. C. albicans promotes the adhesion and accumulation of S. mutans, while S. mutans creates an environment favorable for the growth of C. albicans. Their interactions, especially through carbohydrate metabolism, strengthen their pathogenic potential. The review highlights the importance of understanding these mechanisms for the development of effective management and treatment protocols for ECC.

Conclusion

The symbiotic relationship between C. albicans and S. mutans, and their interactions through carbohydrate metabolism and environmental acidification, are key factors in the pathogenesis of ECC. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage and treat ECC.