In the present study, we propose a novel diagnostic approach, using 3 different salivary markers, representing periodontal pathogen burden, inflammation, and tissue degradation, for detecting periodontitis. The salivary concentrations of Porphyromonas gingivalis, interleukin-1β, and matrix metalloproteinase-8, available from salivary specimens of 165 subjects (84 subjects with advanced periodontitis and 81 controls), were calculated together to obtain a cumulative risk score (CRS). In the calculation of CRS, the concentrations of each marker were divided into tertiles, and cumulative sub-score per each subject were calculated by the multiplication of the tertile values. Three CRS groups, indicating the lowest, medium, or highest risk, were formed with the cumulative sub-scores. Logistic regression analysis and ROC curves were performed to study the association of CRS with periodontitis. The results indicate that CRS, calculated from the 3 salivary biomarkers, is associated with advanced periodontitis more strongly than any of the markers individually. CRS offers a novel, non-invasive model for advanced periodontitis risk categorization that is especially useful in large population surveys where a periodontal examination is not feasible.

In the oral cavity of relatively young women without periodontitis, P. nigrescens, unlike P. intermedia, is a frequent finding. Conceivably, pregnant women harbor increasing numbers of P. nigrescens associated with pregnancy gingivitis.

No abstract

Recent advancements in chemotaxonomic and molecular biology-based identification methods have clarified the taxonomy of the genus Actinomyces and have led to the recognition of several new Actinomyces and related species. Actinomyces-like gram-positive rods have increasingly been isolated from various clinical specimens. Thus, an easily accessible scheme for reliable differentiation at the species level is needed in clinical and oral microbiology laboratories, where bacterial identification is mainly based on conventional biochemical methods. In the present study we designed a two-step protocol that consists of a flowchart that describes rapid, cost-efficient tests for preliminary identification of Actinomyces and closely related species and an updated more comprehensive scheme that also uses fermentation reactions for accurate differentiation of Actinomyces and closely related species.

Pigmented Prevotella spp. have been connected with oral infections as well as being part of the healthy gingival flora. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of pigmented Prevotella spp. in saliva and gingival crevice samples from periodontally healthy adults. Twelve Caucasian female subjects (mean age 28 years, range 21-36 years) with no pockets > or = 4 mm, nor bleeding after probing were selected for this study. Paraffin-stimulated saliva was collected first; then, a pooled subgingival bacterial sample was taken with a sterile curette from mesiobuccal surfaces of all first molars. The samples were inoculated on to non-selective and selective media and incubated anaerobically. The most frequent species isolated were Pr. melaninogenica, Pr. intermedia and Pr. loescheü, found in 11, ten and nine subjects, respectively. The mean percentage of the total cultivable anaerobic microflora in salivary/subgingival samples were 14.7/0.6 for Pr. melaninogenica, 3.1/5.3 for Pr. intermedia and 2.6/1.2 for Pr. loescheii. Pr. denticola was found in one saliva sample and Pr. corporis, in two subgingival samples only. The number of different pigmented Prevotella spp. in the same mouth was 2-4 (mean 2.75). In conclusion, Pr. melaninogenica, Pr. intermedia and Pr. loescheii seem to be common microorganisms in the periodontally healthy oral cavity.

Background and Aims: The scope of this working group was to review: (1) the effect of professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) on secondary prevention of periodontitis; (2) the occurrence of gingival recessions and non-carious cer- Key words: dentine hypersensitivity; intra-oral halitosis; non-carious cervical lesion; oral malodour; professional plaque removal; supportive periodontal therapy; traumatic tooth brushing vical lesions (NCCL) secondary to traumatic tooth brushing; (3) the management of hypersensitivity, through professionally and self administered agents and (4) the management of oral malodour, through mechanical and/or chemical agents. Results and Conclusions: Patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy including PMPR showed mean tooth loss rates of 0.15 AE 0.14 teeth/year for 5-year follow-up and 0.09 AE 0.08 teeth/year (corresponding to a mean number of teeth lost ranging between 1.1 and 1.3) for 12-14 year follow-up. There is no direct evidence to confirm tooth brushing as the sole factor causing gingival recession or NCCLs. Similarly, there is no conclusive evidence from intervention studies regarding the impact of manual versus powered toothbrushes on development of gingival recession or NCCLs, or on the treatment of gingival recessions. Local and patient-related factors can be highly relevant in the development and progression of these lesions. Two modes of action are used in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity: dentine tubule occlusion and/or modification or blocking of pulpal nerve response. Dentifrices containing arginine, calcium sodium phosphosilicate, stannous fluoride and strontium have shown an effect on pain reduction. Similarly, professionally applied prophylaxis pastes containing arginine and calcium sodium phosphosilicate have shown efficacy. There is currently evidence from short-term studies that tongue cleaning has an effect in reducing intra-oral halitosis caused by tongue coating. Similarly, mouthrinses and dentifrices with active ingredients based on Chlorhexidine, Cetylpyridinium chloride and Zinc combinations have a significant beneficial effect. Mariano

Prevotella is recognized as one of the core anaerobic genera in the oral microbiome. In addition, members of this genus belong to microbial communities of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Several novel Prevotella species, most of them of oral origin, have been described, but limited knowledge is still available of their clinical relevance. Prevotella melaninogenica is among the anaerobic commensals on oral mucosae from early months of life onward, and other early colonizing Prevotella species in the oral cavity include Prevotella nigrescens and Prevotella pallens. Oral Prevotella species get constant access to the gastrointestinal tract via saliva swallowing and to lower airways via microaspiration. At these extra-oral sites, they play a role as commensals but also as potentially harmful agents on mucosal surfaces. The aim of this narrative review is to give an updated overview on the involvement of oral Prevotella species in gastrointestinal and respiratory health and disease.

Our findings demonstrate for the first time C. difficile contamination of a tap water distribution system and waterborne transmission of toxigenic C. difficile seems possible.