Purpose The objectives of this focused Workshop were to update the epidemiology, aetiology, risk factors, diagnosis and management of gingival and periodontal diseases and conditions in children and adolescents, and to explore the applicability of the 2018 classification in children and adolescents. Methods The workshop discussions were informed by three specifically commissioned systematic reviews covering gingival and periodontal diseases and conditions, in systemically healthy children and adolescents, or in children and adolescents with systemic conditions. Results Over 70 genetic, congenital and acquired systemic conditions that impact the periodontal tissues were identified, with levels of evidence graded as very low, low, and moderate. Gingival diseases and conditions in systemically healthy children and adolescents were identified, alongside local predisposing and systemic modifying factors. Periodontitis and other periodontal conditions in the 2018 classification system also apply in children and adolescents, however there are challenges with periodontal probing in the primary and mixed dentition. Conclusions Periodontal tissues in children and adolescents differ from adults and require special consideration, accounting for their stage of development and predisposing and modifying factors unique to younger patients, which may confound accurate diagnosis, prognostication and management. Specific approaches to screening, examination and treatment are necessary for safe and effective management in this patient group.
Purpose: To investigate the effect of vitamin C supplementation with or without flavonoids on periodontal conditions, and microbial and systemic variables before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT). Materials and Methods: A case series derived from a randomized controlled trial was conducted to explore the effects of daily vitamin C supplementation, with or without flavonoids, on periodontal conditions. The study population was recruited from patients with periodontitis who had been referred to the Department of Periodontology at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA). The study consisted of a 2-month observation of untreated periodontitis followed by a 3-month period after NSPT. Descriptive statistics, correlation and clustering analyses, and dimensionality reduction methods were used to evaluate the interventions’ impact. Results: Due to COVID-19, the study was prematurely terminated and reported findings from 13 patients. Results indicate a correlation between higher plasma vitamin C levels and reduced gingival inflammation, suggesting benefits for untreated periodontal conditions. Clustering analysis showed no differences based on supplementation type, indicating it did not affect outcomes, and microbiological data had limited effects. Principal Component Analysis visualized clusters and illustrated no distinct groups corresponding to supplementation types. Violin plots highlighted variability, with one cluster comprising individuals with more severe periodontal conditions. Conclusions: Higher plasma vitamin C levels were associated with lower gingival inflammation. However, daily vitamin C supplementation, with or without flavonoids, did not show additional benefits on periodontal conditions before or after treatment. Clustering suggests that periodontal severity, rather than supplementation, influenced patient profiles. The study’s small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.