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Oral nitric oxide during plaque deposition
1Prosthodontic Department, University of Torino, Italy via Genova 3, 10126 Turin, Italy.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|December 12, 2001
Summary
Oral nitric oxide (NO) production increases with dental plaque buildup, acting as a defense against bacteria. Smoking significantly reduces NO levels and impairs this protective mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent antibacterial compound.
- Dental plaque accumulation is a common oral health concern.
- The role of endogenous NO in oral defense during plaque formation is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether oral nitric oxide (NO) production increases during dental plaque deposition.
- To explore the relationship between NO, salivary nitrite, and plaque formation.
- To assess the impact of smoking on oral NO production and plaque bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Measured oral NO and salivary nitrite in 31 healthy subjects (11 smokers, 20 non-smokers).
- Assessed levels at baseline (after cleaning), after 24h of no oral hygiene (plaque deposition), and after re-cleaning.
- Analyzed correlations between NO, nitrite, and smoking status.
Main Results:
- Oral NO and salivary nitrite levels were significantly higher during plaque deposition compared to clean teeth (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).
- Oral NO strongly correlated with salivary nitrite during plaque formation (r = 0.497, P = 0.002).
- Smokers exhibited significantly lower oral NO levels (P < 0.001) and higher plaque bacteria counts (P = 0.046).
Conclusions:
- Oral NO production elevates during the de novo formation of dental plaque.
- NO likely serves as an early host defense mechanism against bacterial proliferation in dental plaque.
- Cigarette smoking inhibits this NO-mediated defense mechanism.