Dental hypofunction alters subgingival microorganisms: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Microbiology
• Oral Health

Background:

• Investigates dental plaque composition, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1-alpha in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).
• Compares hypofunctional and normofunctional teeth in healthy individuals and chronic periodontitis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate differences in dental plaque bacteria, VEGF, and HIF-1alpha in GCF between hypofunctional and normofunctional teeth.
• To assess these factors in both healthy and periodontitis patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Enrolled 60 systemically healthy individuals into four groups: hypofunctional healthy, hypofunctional periodontitis, normofunctional healthy, and normofunctional periodontitis.
• Collected plaque and GCF samples for bacterial analysis and measurement of VEGF and HIF-1alpha.
• Recorded clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index, gingival index, and clinical attachment level.

Main Results:

• Levels of Tannerella forsythia, Peptostreptococcus micros, Eubacterium nodatum, and Eikenella corrodens were decreased in hypofunctional groups.
• Porphyromonas gingivalis levels increased in the hypofunctional healthy group but decreased in the hypofunctional periodontitis group.
• No significant differences were observed in VEGF and HIF-1alpha levels in GCF or serum among the groups.

Conclusions:

• Reduced levels of specific bacterial strains were observed in hypofunctional teeth, irrespective of periodontal health status.
• These bacterial changes may be associated with periodontal ligament atrophy and associated physiological alterations in hypofunctional teeth.