Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
07:15
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
12.4K
Correlation between dysfunctional occlusion and periodontal bacterial profile.
F Meynardi1, M E Pasqualini2, F Rossi3
1Private practice, Mondovì, Italy.
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents
|July 30, 2016
Summary
Occlusal adjustment alongside oral hygiene significantly improves periodontal health by restoring a healthy bacterial profile. This dental treatment offers a stable, long-term solution for periodontitis, unlike hygiene alone.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Microbiology
- Dental Diagnostics
Background:
- Periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting bone structures.
- Bacterial dysbiosis, characterized by shifts in microbial populations, is a key factor in periodontitis progression.
- Current treatments often focus on bacterial load reduction, but the role of occlusal factors is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the longitudinal changes in bacterial profiles at periodontitis sites after two treatment modalities.
- To evaluate the efficacy of oral hygiene alone versus oral hygiene combined with occlusal adjustment in managing periodontal disease.
- To determine if bacterial profiling serves as an effective indicator of periodontal health changes.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessment of periodontal disease using standard parameters (pocket depth, bleeding on probing, edema, redness).
- Bacterial profiling of plaque samples via phase contrast microscopy, focusing on coccus content.
- Longitudinal sampling and analysis at monthly intervals for six months post-treatment.
- Evaluation of static and dynamic occlusion in the occlusal adjustment group.
Main Results:
- Patients receiving oral hygiene alone showed a progressive return to a poor pre-treatment bacterial profile.
- Patients undergoing oral hygiene plus occlusal adjustment demonstrated a significant increase in coccus populations, reaching healthy levels (>70%) within two months.
- Clinical examinations confirmed the absence of periodontal inflammation in the occlusal adjustment group, correlating with improved bacterial profiles.
- Bacterial profiling effectively indicated improvements in periodontal health.
Conclusions:
- Occlusal adjustment, when combined with oral hygiene, leads to marked and stable improvements in periodontal health.
- The positive effects are attributed to the reduction of tissue distress caused by occlusal dysfunction, creating unfavorable conditions for pathogenic bacteria.
- Bacterial profiling is a valuable and effective tool for monitoring periodontal health status and treatment outcomes.
