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Maurizio Pascadopoli, Simone Gallo and Andrea Scribante
University of Pavia, Italy
ScientificTracks Abstracts: Dentistry Case Report
Gingivitis consists of a reversible infl ammation of the soft tissues surrounding the tooth which may evolve towards periodontitis, a destructive and irreversible form. The most relevant etiological factor for gingivitis is represented by plaque accumulation. The fi rst periodontal treatment in case of gingival infl ammation consists of the mechanical removal of accumulated plaque/calculus through scaling, root planning, and polishing, along with specifi c oral hygiene instructions for the domiciliary maintenance of the oral health. Additionally, chemical antimicrobial substances may also be used to decrease the bacterial load. Specifi cally, chlorhexidine is the substance most used for this purpose, despite side eff ects like tooth discoloration, oral mucosal erosion, and taste alteration can occur during its use. Researchers are now focusing on new alternatives for the antimicrobial treatment of periodontitis and the latest innovation is represented by probiotics, defi ned as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefi t on the host”, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Probiotics, especially Lactobacillus and Bifi dobacterium, are generally used to promote gastrointestinal health, but, in recent years, it has also been suggested that they could positively infl uence the status of the oral health, contrasting bacteria responsible for caries, periodontal disease, and halitosis. Several mechanisms have been discussed to explain their benefi cial action, e.g., the exclusion and competition with pathogens for nutrients and epithelial cell adhesion, the production of antimicrobial substances against pathogenetic bacteria, an immunomodulatory action, and an enhancement of the mucosal barrier function. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the eff ect of probiotics on oral health, anyway further research is expected to fully understand the potentiality of probiotics-based agents for the management of diff erent forms of periodontal disease.
Maurizio Pascadopoli Doctor of Dental Surgery currently attending the post-graduate school of orthodontics of the University of Pavia, Italy. His research activities focus on orthodontics, professional and domiciliary management of periodontal disease, and ozone therapy for periodontal patients.
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