Association between serum levels of vitamin D and chronic periodontitis in premenopausal women in Yazd

Introduction: Periodontal disease is a common chronic inflammatory disease, considered as a primary cause of tooth loss due to the destruction of periodontal tissues. Various studies have shown that vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties and plays a significant role in musculoskeletal health. There is strong evidence that vitamin D deficiency may increase the likelihood of osteoporosis and osteopenia as well as chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis. Materials &Methods: This case–control study included 30 females with moderate or severe chronic periodontitis (CP) and 30 periodontally healthy females. The mean age of the CP group and the control group was 34 years. Indices of Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding index (BI) as well as the serum level of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) were measured in both groups. The statistical analyses including t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficient and odd ratio. Results: There was a significant indirect relationship between the serum level of vitamin D and the periodontal indices (p0.05). Conclusion: It is recommended that serum levels of vitamin D in patients with chronic periodontitis be measured and then if necessary, treatment should begin

The Effect of Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy on Trichomonas Tenax and Entamoeba Gingivalis in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Trichomonas tenax and Entamoeba gingivalis are commensal protozoa which inhabit the human oral cavity. These parasites are found in patients with poor oral hygiene and might be a reason for progressive periodontal diseases. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on the frequency of these protozoa in saliva and plaque samples. MATERIALS AND METHOD In this clinical trial, samples of saliva and dental plaque were collected from 46 patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis before and after periodontal therapy. The samples were assessed for the frequency of parasites. RESULTS The frequency of Entamoeba gingivalis was reduced in saliva (p= 0.007) and plaque (p= 0.027) three weeks after the treatment. Likewise, the frequency of Trichomonas tenax reduced in saliva (p= 0.030); however, the decrease was not significant in plaque (p= 0.913). Trichomonas tenax frequency in dental plaque directly related to the severity of periodontitis (r= 0.565, p≤ 0.000). In contrast, the number of Entamoeba gingivalis in both saliva (r= -0.405, p≤ 0.005) and plaque (r= -0.304, p= 0.040) was inversely related with the severity of the periodontal disease. CONCLUSION Nonsurgical periodontal treatment could reduce the number of Trichomonas Tenax and Entamoeba gingivalis in the oral environment of patients with chronic periodontitis

Knowledge of General Dentists and Senior Dental Students about Indications of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Yazd, Iran

Introduction: In patients susceptible to infection, after dental procedures which lead to soft tissue manipulation or bleeding, the occurrence of bacteremia is probable. Hence, antibiotic prophylaxis is very important in this group of patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of awareness of senior dental students and general dental practitioners in the city of Yazd about the indications of antibiotics prophylaxis and the proper way of prescribing the prophylactic regimens. Materials and methods: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. To collecting data, prepared questionnaires distributed among 60 general dentists and 60 senior students. Results: The mean of knowledge scores of senior dental students and general dentists were 55.43  and 55.06  respectively. Both groups showed acceptable levels of knowledge. Conclusion: The levels of knowledge of senior dental students and general dental practitioners were desirable and this may be due to the participation of practitioners in relevant re-training programs or allocation of related academic resources in this area during their education

Association between Passive Smoking, Salivary Calcium level, and Periodontal Health: A Cross-Sectional Study : Passive Smoking and Periodontal Health

Background and objectives: Due to the lack of definitive conclusions about the effects of passive smoking on periodontal health especially in adults and the lack of information on the relationship between salivary calcium levels and periodontitis, this study aimed to compare salivary calcium levels and periodontal status of passive smoking and non-smoking adults. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 adult females in two groups of passive smokers and non-smokers (n=30), who were selected using consecutive sampling. The salivary calcium levels were measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method with a kit, and their periodontal health was evaluated by measuring clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding index (BI), and probing depth (PPD). The values were then compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, Pearson and Spearman’s correlation coefficients (α=0.05). Results: The mean CAL was significantly higher in passive smokers than in non-smokers (P=0.013). The mean values of BI (P=0.446), PPD (P=0.066), and salivary calcium levels (P=0.248) were not significantly different between the two groups, although slightly higher values were recorded in the passive group. In passive smokers, the mean PPD had a significant correlation with the salivary calcium levels (P=0.037). In non-smokers, CAL and salivary calcium levels were significantly correlated (P=0.010). Conclusion:  Passive smokers had significantly greater CAL than non-smokers. Additionally, higher salivary calcium levels were significantly correlated with higher mean PPD in passive smokers and CAL in non-smokers, indicating a possible association between elevated salivary calcium levels and periodontal problems, regardless of smoking status

poor oral health and fertility problems: A narrative mini-review

Introduction: Recently, it has been recognized that oral infections, especially periodontitis might have effect on several systemic conditions. A possible role of oral diseases in sub-fertility and infertility was also has been suggested. The aim of this review was to evaluate the association between poor oral health and fertility problems. Methods: In this narrative review, authors used PUBMED, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar to included relevant papers in which had at least an English abstract and considered no limitation in publication date. The author used combinations of the search terms “sub-fertility”, “infertility”, “sperm count”, “erectile dysfunction” or “conception” AND “oral hygiene”, oral infections”, “periodontitis” or “periodontal disease”. From the 40 titles which has been found, Letters to the editor, commentaries and case reports or case series, were excluded and finally 37 original articles were remained. Results: There was a consistency among studies about possible positive association between poor oral health and fertility problems features such as improper spermatological parameters and erectile dysfunction, increased time to conceive and endometriosis but there was an inconsistency about relationship between maternal periodontitis and male-babies sub fertility in future. Conclusion: Researches show that oral hygiene is an important component of general health and also a factor in sexual health. Oral inflammation controlling and regular dental check-ups in which both men and women are attending, particularly prior to conceiving, appears to be helpful in enhancing reproductive ability

Investigating Factors Affecting Compliance of Patients Who are Candidates for Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment Referred to Yazd Faculty of Dentistry in 2023

Introduction: Considering the importance of periodontal supportive treatment in long-term preservation of teeth and prevention of recurrence of periodontitis, it was aimed to identify the factors affecting patients' compliance in continuing periodontal treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted on 233 patients referred to the periodontics and oral health and community dentistry departments and were candidate for non-surgical periodontal treatment. Data were collected by researcher-made questionnaires and the association between demographic characteristics and some possible external and internal influencing factors with the patients' attendance in first follow-up was investigated. Results: Only 39% of patients participated in the first follow-up. The patients' previous internal desire to participate in follow-up sessions had a statistically significant relationship with their compliance (P=0.001). Age, gender, education level, economic status, type of employment of patients and smoking did not show any significant relationship with following up the treatment. None of the investigated factors such as lack of time, the quality of mutual communication between the dentist and the patient, satisfaction with the treatment, providing health instructions by the dentist and explaining the consequences of not continuing the treatment to the patient did not affect the probability of the patient's adherence to continuing the treatment. Conclusion: There is no definite factor to increase the compliance rate of patients and it is necessary to increase the patients' motivation with different intervention methods, in a way that the importance of participating in the follow-up sessions is clarified for the patient

Assessment of suturing and scaling skills of periodontology and oral medicine residents by OSATS method: a pilot study

Abstract Introduction Updating the method for evaluating suturing and scaling skills in dental education has attracted relatively little attention and there is no consensus to what should be assessed and how. The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) method for these two basic skills, the possible association between the scores and demographic factors, and the level of satisfaction of residents with this method. Methods All six periodontics and three oral medicine residents were recruited by census method and video-recorded while performing a simple interrupted suture, a figure eight suture and scaling on a model. Then, the videos were evaluated independently via a checklist and a global rating scale (GRS) by two expert raters. Agreement between raters and residents’ satisfaction were evaluated. Correlation between demographic factors of participants and scores was also assessed. T-test and linear regression analysis were used. Results There was no significant difference between the scores based on the views of the two raters for each of the checklist (ICC = 0.99, CI = 0.96–0.99, P < 0.001) and GRS (ICC = 0.97, CI = 0.86–0.99, P < 0.001). Linear regression showed no correlation between gender and scores but periodontics major and higher year of education showed correlation with higher scores. Conclusion Considering the excellent agreement between raters in using both the checklist and GRS components of OSATS, and satisfaction of 88% the residents with this method, it seems to be able to provide a reliable assessment

Oral Health Status and Salivary Properties Among Children Before and After Tonsillectomy

Objectives: Enlarged adenoids can lead to obstruction of the nasopharyngeal airway and subsequent oral respiration. Oral breathing can cause dry mouth, dehydration in gingival tissue, and resistance to plaque accumulation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of tonsillectomy on oral health status, salivary pH and flow rate, and common complications caused by tonsillar hypertrophy in children. Materials and Methods: An analytical before-and-after study was conducted on 60 children aged 5-12 years who required tonsillectomy. We gathered data through a questionnaire and collected unstimulated saliva using the spitting method for five minutes. Salivary pH was measured by a pH meter and its volume was determined with a calibrated test tube. The plaque index, bleeding index and modified gingival index were determined using a disclosing tablet, Williams’ probe and observational examination, respectively. All measurements were repeated one month after tonsillectomy. Paired t-test was used for data analysis. Results: We found a significant increase in mean pH and salivary flow rate after tonsillectomy and observed a decrease in oral health indices among the children one month after surgery. Over half of the children who reported complications such as dry mouth, itchy nose and throat, snoring, night sweats, and sleep disturbances experienced complete recovery after tonsillectomy. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, children with enlarged adenoids showed significant improvements in salivary pH, salivary flow rate, and oral health indices, one month after tonsillectomy

Effect of laser corticotomy on canine retraction rate: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background This study assessed the effect of corticotomy with Er: YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) laser on the rate of canine retraction. Methods This randomized split-mouth controlled clinical trial was conducted on 12 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with extraction of maxillary first premolars. Following initial leveling and alignment, an alginate impression was made from the maxillary arch, and Er: YAG laser corticotomy was performed in one of the maxillary quadrants of each patient. Canine retraction was started immediately after corticotomy by placement of nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed coil springs at both sides. At the end of each month, alginate records were repeated for 4 months. Study models were scanned, and the anteroposterior movement of canine was quantified bilaterally. Pain was also measured by a visual analog scale (VAS). Probing depth (PPD) of canines and two adjacent teeth was also evaluated and pulp vitality was assessed by performing the cold test. Data were analyzed by paired and independent t-test and one-way ANOVA (alpha = 0.05). Results The rate of canine retraction was significantly greater in the laser-assisted corticotomy quadrant than the control (P  0.05). Conclusions Flapless Er: YAG laser corticotomy significantly enhanced canine retraction rate with no adverse effect on other parameters