The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of autoimmune reactions to native and post-translationally modified extracellular matrix components in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Sera from individuals with aggressive periodontitis (AgP, n = 25), chronic periodontitis (CP, n = 14), and gingivitis (G, n = 18) were tested for the presence of autoantibodies against: (a) native collagen type I (CI) and collagen type III (CIII); (b) CI and CIII post-translationally modified by reactive oxygen species (ROS) of the type present during inflammation; and (c) citrullinated filaggrin-derived peptides (CCP). Autoantibodies to native and ROS-modified CI and CIII as well as autoantibodies to CCP were observed exclusively in patients with AgP and not in those with CP or G. In conclusion, autoimmune reactions to native and post-translationally modified self-antigens may play a role specifically in the pathogenesis of AgP.

Veillonella spp. are predominant bacteria found in all oral biofilms. In this study, a metatranscriptomic approach was used to investigate the gene expression levels of three oral Veillonella spp. (V. parvula, V. dispar and V. atypica) in whole stimulated saliva from caries-free volunteers and in carious lesions (n = 11 for each group). In the lesions the greatest proportion of reads were assigned to V. parvula and genes with the highest level of expression in carious samples were those coding for membrane transport systems. All three Veillonella spp. increased expression of genes involved in the catabolism of lactate and succinate, notably the alpha- and beta-subunits of L(+)-tartrate dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.32). There was also significantly increased expression of histidine biosynthesis pathway in V. parvula, suggesting higher intra-cellular levels of histidine that could provide intra-cellular buffering capacity and, therefore, assist survival in the acidic environment. Various other systems such as potassium uptake systems were also up regulated that may aid in the survival and proliferation of V. parvula in carious lesions.

BackgroundInfant Oral Mutilation (IOM) includes germectomy and early extraction of primary and permanent incisors and canines, primarily in the lower jaw.The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and impact of IOM, involving the removal of mandibular permanent incisors and/or canines, on dental occlusion and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) among Kenyan adolescents from Maasai Mara.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 284 adolescents (14–18 yrs. of age) participated in an oral examination and an interview, using a structured questionnaire on age, gender, medical history, and IOM practice. For the analysis of the dental occlusion, participants with IOM, in terms of absence of two or more permanent teeth in the mandibular incisor and/or canine tooth segments (IOM group), were compared to participants who had all six incisors and canines present in the oral cavity (control group). OHRQoL was assessed using child perception questionnaire (CPQ11–14).ResultsThe majority of the participants (61%) had been exposed to IOM, among whom 164 (95%) had absence of two mandibular central incisors. More individuals in the IOM group had maxillary overjet exceeding 5 mm than in the control group (50.9% vs. 20%, p <  0.001). Nineteen (11%) subjects in the IOM group had mesial occlusion in contrast to none in the control group (p <  0.001). The mean and median total CPQ scores and the mean and median CPQ domain scores were low in both groups with no significant differences between the groups.ConclusionsApproximately two-thirds of the study population presented with IOM, with the majority of them missing two mandibular permanent central incisors. Although some participants with IOM had substantial maxillary overjet and mesial occlusion, only few of them showed substantial effect on their OHRQoL.

Objective: to determine the nutrition and oral health status of elderly persons in Nairobi, Kenya. Design: a cross-sectional study. Setting: households in dagoretti division of Nairobi. Subjects: two hundred and eighty nine persons (29.8% males and 70.2% females) aged 45 years and above were assessed. Results: the level of malnutrition using the mid upper arm circumference was 18.8% while by body mass index was 11.4%. of the population assessed, 46.4% had normal nutritional status while 40.9% were overweight, with more females (48.0%) than males (25.9%) being overweight. the study established that many of the elderly persons suffered from dental problems, especially periodontitis with 89.9% having dental plaque, calculus 85.6%, gingival recession 82.5% and bleeding gums 77.4%. The decayed index missing and filled teeth, was 7.173 with 19.7% caries free, 51.9% reported tooth mobility and edentulousness was common. Conclusions: under-nutrition, obesity and dental problems are issues of concern among the elderly. there is need to develop policies that will look into the nutrition and dental health of the elderly in order to improve their welfare.