No abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are highly prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. Periodontitis may act as a non-traditional cardiovascular risk (CVR) factor, linked by a low-grade systemic inflammation mediated by C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients with periodontitis reported higher serum CRP levels; however, a CRP systemic and periodontal correlation in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and its CVR impact have been barely studied. We aimed to assess the association between periodontal diseases and CVR in a group of adult women, based on serum high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels; and secondly, to determine the association between serum and GCF CRP levels. Gingival crevicular fluid and blood samples were obtained from women with periodontitis, gingivitis, and healthy controls. Serum and GCF CRP were determined by turbidimetric method and Luminex technology, respectively. Data were analyzed and adjusted by CVR factors. All women presented moderate CVR, without an evident association between serum hs-CRP levels and periodontal diseases. While serum hs-CRP concentrations did not significantly differ between groups, patients with gingivitis and periodontitis showed higher CRP levels in GCF, which positively correlated to CRP detection in serum.

This study aimed to synthesize heat-cured poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) acrylic formulated with copper nanoparticles (nCu) for producing dentures with antimicrobial properties and ability to prevent denture stomatitis (DS). Methods: nCu/PMMA nanocomposites were prepared through in situ formation of nCu into methyl methacrylate (MMA). The fabricated material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopy (energy-dispersive X-ray, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), X-ray diffraction analysis, and mechanical flexural tests (ISO 20795-1:2008). Antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and oral bacteria was determined. MTS assay (ISO 10993-5:2009) and copper release experiments were conducted to assess cytotoxicity. In the clinical trial, participants wearing nCu/PMMA (n=25) and PMMA (n=25) dentures were compared; specifically, DS incidence and severity and Candida species proliferation were assessed for 12 months. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05). Results: nCu/PMMA nanocomposite loaded with 0.045% nCu exhibited the maximum antimicrobial activity against C. albicans and other oral bacteria without producing cytotoxicity in the wearer. nCu/PMMA dentures retained their mechanical and aesthetic properties as well as inhibited the growth of Candida species on both denture surface and patient palate. DS incidence and severity were lower in the nCu/PMMA denture group than in the PMMA denture group. Conclusions: PMMA acrylic produced with copper nanotechnology is antimicrobial, biocompatible, and aesthetic and can reduce DS incidence. Thus, this material may act as a novel preventive alternative for oral infections associated with denture use.

Despite the recognized impact of diet on non-communicable diseases, the association between the Mediterranean diet and periodontal diseases is still uncertain. This study aimed to determine the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Index (MDI) and self-reported gingival health status in Chilean adults, exploring the feasibility of using validated web-based survey questionnaires. Methodology Cross-sectional data were collected from a representative sample of a population of Chilean adults (18-60 years old) using a low-cost and time-saving methodology. By the PsyToolkit platform, anonymous survey data were downloaded and analyzed in bivariate (crude) and backward stepwise selection multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic determinants, smoking, and dental attendance using STATA 17. Odds ratios (OR) [95% confidence intervals] were estimated. Results In total, 351 complete statistical data were mostly obtained from female university students who had never smoked and reported having visited a dentist in the previous year. Multivariate regression models showed an association between MDI and very good/good gingival health status (OR 1.18 [95% CI 1.04-1.34], p=0.013), absence of bleeding on toothbrushing (OR 1.12 [95% CI 1.01-1.25], p=0.035), and absence of clinical signs of gingival inflammation (OR 1.24 [95% CI 1.10-1.40], p<0.001), after controlling for age, sex, educational level, smoking, and dental attendance. Conclusions We associated adherence to the Mediterranean diet with better self-reported gingival health status in a population of Chilean adults in an entirely web-based research environment. Longitudinal studies with random sampling are required to establish the effect of diet on gingival and periodontal health. Nevertheless, this evidence could contribute to the design of low-cost surveillance programs to reduce the burden of periodontal disease and related “common risk factors”.

La alta prevalencia e impacto económico y social de las enfermedades orales constituye un importante desafío en el campo de la salud pública a nivel mundial. En Chile, la alta carga de enfermedades orales sumadas a las marcadas inequidades en salud bucodental, justifican la necesidad de generación de conocimiento útil para enfrentar este grave problema social. Sin embargo, los esfuerzos en investigación en salud oral parecieran estar principalmente enfocados en tributar a líneas de investigación básicas y a un mercado farmacológico cada día más fuerte, en vez de estudiar, monitorear y contribuir mediante propuestas preventivas e innovadoras a reducir las altas prevalencias e inequidades en salud oral del país, aspectos sustancialmente relevantes desde una perspectiva ética de la investigación y prioritarios desde el principio de justicia social en salud. En un marco de acción intersectorial la investigación con alto valor social es clave para mejorar la salud oral en Chile.