Periodontal infection may contribute to poor glycemic control and systemic inflammation in diabetic patients. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of non-surgical periodontal treatment in diabetic patients by measuring oxidative stress outcomes. Sixty diabetic patients with periodontitis were enrolled, treated with scaling and full-mouth disinfection, and randomly prescribed chlorhexidine mouthwash, antioxidant mouthwash, or ozone therapy. Reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), periodontal parameters, and glycated hemoglobin were measured at baseline and then at 1, 3, and 6 months after. At baseline, all patients presented with pathologic levels of plasmatic ROM (388 ± 21.36 U CARR), higher than the normal population. Probing depth, plaque index, and bleeding on probing values showed significant clinical improvements after treatment, accompanied by significant reductions of plasma ROM levels (p < 0.05). At the 6-month evaluation, the mean ROM relapsed to 332 ± 31.76 U CARR. Glycated hemoglobin decreased significantly (∆ = −0.52 units) after treatment. Both the test groups showed longer-lasting improvements of periodontal parameters. In diabetic patients, periodontal treatment was effective at reducing plasma ROM, which is an indicator of systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. The treatment of periodontal infection might facilitate glycemic control and decrease systemic inflammation.
Background: Hyaluronic acid and amino acids play an important role in the wound healing process, stimulating the development of the connective tissue and the activity and proliferation of fibroblasts. The aim of the present controlled clinical study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a topical gel formula containing hyaluronic acid and amino acids in terms of wound closure rate, painkiller intake, and patients’ reported pain and edema. Methods: This study included patients in need of a single tooth extraction. Patients were randomized into two groups with differing post-operative care regimens. Patients in the test group used the amino acid and hyaluronic acid-based gel, while the control group did not use any product. Each parameter was measured in both groups at different time points: immediately after surgery, and after 7, 14, 30, and 60 days. Results: A total of 40 patients (46.52 ± 9.84 years old) completed the observational period, and 40 extraction sockets were examined. After 7 days, the edema was significantly lower in the test group. The reported pain was lower in the test group without a significant difference, except for the first time point at 7 days. With the follow-up questionnaire, patients declared to have taken painkillers mainly during the first 7 days after surgery; however, the test group showed a lower need for painkillers than the control group. Conclusion: The post-operative and domiciliary use of an amino acid and hyaluronic acid-based gel for the management of soft tissue closure after tooth extraction is a valid coadjutant to reduce swelling, pain, and the need for painkillers. Additional studies are required to support the results of the present study.
The literature has identified several common acute and chronic complications associated with periodontal health during pregnancy, such as gingivitis, recession, periodontitis, and changes in systemic health, such as gestational diabetes, which may act as additional risk factors for chronic periodontal disease. Are the general public and health care providers aware of the potential risks of systemic and intrauterine inflammation caused by bacteria from the oral microbiota entering the bloodstream through inflamed gingival tissue and affecting the fetoplacental unit, leading to complications, such as preterm birth and reduced prenatal growth? A questionnaire-based survey, conducted between January 2023 and June 2023, aimed to assess patients’ personal oral hygiene practices and their understanding of the link between pregnancy and periodontal health. A total of 826 people completed a questionnaire for this study. The majority of women surveyed (86.9%) were not pregnant, but 77.7% had at least one child. The majority of women believed in good oral hygiene during pregnancy but lacked knowledge about how oral care can affect pregnancy outcomes.