Impact of tooth loss due to periodontal disease on the prognosis of rehabilitation

Humic Acid Derived from Agricultural Biomass Mitigates Alveolar Bone Loss and Modulates Systemic Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats with Periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Humic acid (HA) is a bioproduct that can be extracted from different sources and has anti-inflammatory properties that have been little explored in the treatment and prevention of Periodontal Disease (PD). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of HA on the progression of PD in rats.

METHODS

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were distributed into three experimental groups (Control/ Sham, PD, and PD + HA). HA was administered by gavage (80 mg/kg/day) for 28 days, and PD was induced 14 days after the beginning of treatment. Bone loss, bone topography, and surface elemental composition were analyzed. Circulating IL1-beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 levels were evaluated through Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The animals treated with HA showed lower bone loss (p < 0.05). Calcium and phosphorus levels on the alveolar bone surface were lower in the PD group (p < 0.05) compared to the control group, whereas the animals treated with HA exhibited attenuation in this loss (p < 0.05). The animals treated with HA showed reduced TNF-alpha, IL1-beta, IL-10, and the TNF-alpha/IL-10 ratio compared to those with PD (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Treatment with HA attenuated the parameters of alveolar bone loss and modulated systemic inflammatory parameters in rats with ligature-induced PD.

Efficacy of Oral Rehabilitation Techniques in Patients With Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Oral cancer commonly affects various parts of the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, gums, palate, and inner cheeks. Oral rehabilitation involves multiple approaches aimed at restoring and improving oral function, esthetics, and overall well-being. This study assessed the functional outcomes and quality of life in patients who underwent rehabilitation following an oral cancer diagnosis. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Cochrane Library, Dimensions, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases. The study included patients diagnosed with oral cancer who had undergone oral rehabilitation. Functional outcomes and quality of life were key selection criteria. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed, and data were systematically extracted and analyzed. A significant relationship was observed between the type of maxillectomy and quality of life, with obturator retention and stability being critical factors. Radiotherapy was found to adversely impact oral function and implant survival rates, with a strong correlation between radiation treatment and reduced implant survival (p < 0.00001). Additionally, dentition and the timing of implant placement were associated with recurrence rates and adverse effects. The findings highlight the crucial role of oral rehabilitation in improving both functional outcomes and quality of life in oral cancer patients. This study underscores the importance of incorporating oral rehabilitation into oral cancer treatment to enhance patient recovery and overall health.

Systemic Factors Affecting Prognosis in Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry: A Review

The field of restorative and prosthetic dentistry focuses on restoring lost tooth structures and replacing missing teeth and lost tissue to restore or improve esthetics and oral health. Many systemic factors such as metabolic, bone, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and endocrine disorders can affect healing procedures, and bone density and impact oral health. Hence patients suffering from systemic disease when treated for prosthodontic rehabilitation can have negative prognostic outcomes. The commonest prosthodontic treatments that can be affected include dental implants, fixed prostheses, and removable prostheses. Understanding and managing these systemic factors play a key role in the success of prosthodontic treatment.

Salivary leukocyte esterase activity by SillHa is a risk indicator of periodontal disease

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that diagnostic salivary tests measuring inflammatory biomarkers are being developed to assess inflammatory status for early detection, prevention, and progression of periodontal disease. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate and identify the salivary biomarker that can predict the inflammatory status of periodontal disease.

METHODS

A total of 36 patients (28 women and 8 men) with an average age of 57 years were investigated. Unstimulated saliva was collected from the recruited subjects and analyzed using SillHa, a saliva-testing device that measures bacteria count, saliva buffer capacity, acidity, leukocyte esterase, protein, and ammonia. Periodontal parameters were then obtained by clinical examination and initial periodontal therapy was performed. Data obtained with SillHa were compared with clinical periodontal parameters at baseline, re-examination (three months from baseline), and final examination (six months from re-examination).

RESULTS

Leukocyte esterase activity in saliva measured by SillHa; BOP and PCR measured by clinical examination showed a significant difference between baseline and final examination and between re-examination and final examination. Patients in the lower median group (group 1) had a significant difference in leukocyte esterase activity between baseline and final examination and re-examination and final examination. In addition, patients in Group 1 had significantly lower BOP between baseline and final examination. While patients in the higher median group (group 2) showed a modest decrease in leukocyte esterase activity, which was significant only between baseline and final examination, no significant changes were observed concerning BOP. Furthermore, the associated systemic disease was observed in 30% and 81.2% of group 1 and 2 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that leukocyte esterase activity in saliva measured by SillHa could serve as a reliable diagnostic marker for monitoring inflammatory status in periodontal disease.

Clustering of Signs and Symptoms of Oral Diseases in a Colombian Population

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to estimate disease pattern clusters and co-occurrences of oral signs and symptoms in a Colombian population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out through a telephone survey amongst 1155 people registered in the telephone directory from Pasto, Colombia. The calls were made from July to November 2019. A 14-item self-report questionnaire about signs and symptoms related to oral diseases that included sociodemographic characteristics was employed. Descriptive and multivariable analyses such as hierarchical clustering, multidimensional scaling, and generalized linear models were used to determine co-occurrences in different sex and age strata.

RESULTS

Age- and condition-specific clusters of signs and symptoms were identified, while sex differences were limited. Calculus and denture sore mouth were related in 18- to 34-year-olds; tooth loss and calculus in 35- to 54-year-olds, and teeth holes or pits (dental caries) and dental abscess in those aged 55 years and older. We found stronger associations between periodontal disease (bleeding gums) and dental caries (odds ratio [OR], 2.484; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.812-3.405; P < .001) as well as grinding/clenching and facial tension (OR, 7.162; 95% CI, 5.227-9.814; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Age-specific clustering of signs and symptoms and diagnostic patterns wer present in ths Colombian cohort.