Laboratory evidence has demonstrated the antimicrobial effect of Melaleuca alternifolia (MEL) against oral microorganisms. This randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial, compared the anti-biofilm and anti-inflammatory effects of MEL nanoparticles with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) on biofilm-free (BF) and biofilm-covered (BC) surfaces. Before each experimental period, the participants refrained from all oral hygiene practices for 72 hours. The 60 participants were randomly assigned to professional prophylaxis in two quadrants (Q1-Q3 or Q2-Q4), and rinsed with MEL or CHX for four days. The Quigley & Hein plaque index (QHPI), gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume, and participants' perceptions were assessed. CHX showed significantly lower mean QHPI on BF (2.65 ± 0.34 vs. 3.34 ± 0.33, p < 0.05) and BC surfaces (2.84 ± 0.37 vs. 3.37 ± 0.33, p < 0.05). Intragroup comparisons indicated reductions in GCF in all the groups, with significant differences only for CHX on BF surfaces (p < 0.05). Intergroup comparisons revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Based on individual perceptions, CHX had better taste and biofilm control, but resulted in a greater change in taste. Nevertheless, MEL demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of CHX. Further clinical trials testing different protocols, concentrations and follow-up periods are required to establish its clinical application.

Periodontal diseases is a highly prevalent chronic condition regulated by the host immune response to pathogenic bacterial colonization on the teeth surfaces. Nutrition is a critical component in the modulation of the immune system, hence the importance of a balanced diet. With the understanding of how dietary intake composition affects various health outcomes, nutrient diversity has been reported as a modifiable risk factor for periodontal disease. Eating disorders and different dietary patterns can be associated with periodontal diseases. In this sense, balanced and healthy nutrition plays a major role in maintaining the symbiosis between oral microbiota and periodontal health. Therefore, this review seeks to report the associations found in the literature between high- or low-fat/sodium/sugar, eating disorders and periodontal diseases. It was found that some dietary patterns such as high carbohydrate/sugar, high fat, and low fiber intake may be associated with periodontal disease. In addition, the presence of eating disorders can negatively impact patients’ oral health and it is related to the development of several complications, including periodontal diseases. In both situations, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies can aggravate the periodontal condition. However, the relationship between periodontal disease, dietary patterns, and eating disorders still needs more scientific support to be well established, mainly in the sense of pointing out a protective relationship between both.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of tooth loss and associated factors in institutionalized adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 68 male adolescents incarcerated from Socio-Educational Assistance Center (CASE) aged between 15 and 19 years. Questionnaires were applied individually to assess sociodemographical, economical, medical, behavioral and oral health self-perception variables. All present teeth were evaluated by Decay, Missing, Filling (DMF) Index. The prevalence of tooth loss was analyzed in individuals with ≥1 tooth loss. Associations between tooth loss and exposure variables studied were analyzed by Poisson Regression with robust variance estimation. The prevalence of tooth loss was 47.06%. First molars in the mandible and maxilla and central incisor in the maxilla were the most absent teeth. In the multivariate model, number of decayed teeth, and those that reported daily use of medication were associated with higher tooth loss. Besides, tooth loss was associated with decayed tooth and daily use of medication. Oral health promotion and treatment should be implemented in these institutions to reduce the prevalence of dental loss in these adolescents.