The relationship between maternal periodontal and dental health status and preterm birth: A case-control study

Introduction: The idea that oral infections spread to other systems has long been of interest to clinicians. On the other hand, there are researches suggesting the possibility of periodontitis and dental caries being a risk factor for low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB). The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between periodontal and dental health status with PTB. Methods: In this case-control study, 82 pregnant women were evaluated. The case group included mothers with preterm infants (gestational age of less than 37 weeks), while the control group involved mothers who had term labors (gestational age of 37-42 weeks). Oral examinations were carried out up to 48 hours after delivery. Periodontal and dental health indicators, including decayed, missed, filled teeth (DMFT), periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and gingival index (GI) were recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS 17 software through Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests. Results: DMFT was 7.34±4.45 and 5.68±4.29 for mothers with preterm infants and mothers in control group, respectively (P=0.023). CAL (P=0.001) and BOP (P=0.012) were significantly higher in mothers with preterm infants, but there was no significant difference in Pocket depth (P=0.57) and GI (P=0.51) between the studied groups. Conclusion: There is a relationship between some maternal periodontal and dental health indicators and PTBs signifying that elimination of any oral sources of inflammation may reduce the risk of premature birth

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Comparison of Canal Transportation after Preparation with BioRaCe and Mtwo Rotary Instruments and Hand K-Flexofiles

Introduction: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the transportation of mesiobuccal canals of mandibular first molars prepared with either BioRaCe or Mtwo rotary instruments or hand K-Flexofile, by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods and Materials: Forty-five mandibular molars were selected and randomly divided into three groups (n=15). Mesiobuccal roots of these teeth were prepared by BioRaCe, Mtwo, or hand K-Flexofile. Transportation was measured by pre- and post-operative CBCT images. Two-way ANOVA analysis was applied to detect any differences between the groups followed by the post hoc Tukey’s tests. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: The non-parametric Friedman test was used to compare the behavior of each file at 3-, 6- and 9-mm levels. There were no significant differences between different levels in Mtwo group (P=0.15); however, the differences in K-Flexofile and BioRaCe groups were significant (P>0.05). Post hoc Tukey’s test revealed significant differences between BioRaCe and K-Flexofile and also between Mtwo and K-Flexofile, both in the 3-mm depths (P<0.05). Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, BioRaCe and Mtwo rotary instruments are considered suitable for canal preparation to greater apical sizes provided that the recommended sequences are observed

Oral Health Indices in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Insulin Treatment Compared With Metformin: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: Due to the important influence of glycemic control on oral health, this study aimed to compare the gingival index and decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving insulin and metformin. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 130 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin and metformin were studied in two groups based on the type of treatment. The information for DMFT and gingival indices were obtained using the oral examination. In the insulin group, participants received insulin Lantus 0.2 unit/kg once daily, and in the metformin group, participants received metformin tablets 500 mg every 12 hours. Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured by lab test in all participants. Finally, HbA1c, the information of DMFT, and gingival indices were compared between the two groups. Results: The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in decayed, missed, and restored teeth, as well as the overall DMFT index between the two groups. The gingival index was significantly higher in the insulin group (P=0.046). Conclusions: Gingival health of insulin users is poorer than metformin users, but it seems that type of diabetes treatment does not affect the DMFT inde

Evaluation of therapeutic effects of nanofibrous mat containing mycophenolate mofetil on oral lichen planus: In vitro and clinical trial study

AbstractObjectives Recently, topical drug delivery system has gained increasing interest in the treatment of oral lesions. Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting mucous membranes and skin. The current study aimed to fabricate a drug delivery system containing mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of oral lichen planus lesions.Methods Firstly, a nanofibrous mat containing mycophenolate mofetil, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and aloe vera was designed and fabricated. The antimicrobial, cytocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative characteristics of fabricated scaffolds were evaluated. Then, this nanofibrous mat was applied to 12 patients suffering from bilateral erythematous/erosive Oral Lichen planus (OLP) lesions for 2 weeks. The treatment outcomes, including oral symptoms and lesion size, were compared with the routine topical treatment of these lesions; Triamcinolone ointment.Results The characterization of nanofibrous mat approved the successful fabrication of scaffolds. The fabricated nanofibers showed notable antimicrobial activity. The amounts of TNF , IL6, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of stimulated human gingival fibroblasts were decreased after exposure to NFs/Myco/Alv/ZnO scaffolds. The clinical trial results demonstrated the same therapeutic effects compared to the commercial ointment, while the symptoms of patients were significantly improved in the mats group.Significance. Considering the successful results of this study, the application of nanofibrous mat can be a promising product for improving treatment outcomes of OLP