Gingivitis and Periodontal Diseases

This study aims to evaluate salivary biomarkers associated with bone remodeling during the transition from periodontal health to disease. Periodontal diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation that can lead to connective tissue destruction and alveolar bone loss. Although diagnosis is primarily based on clinical and radiographic findings, these methods may not fully reflect disease activity or progression. In this observational study, individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis will be included. Salivary levels of IL-17, IL-23, IL-6, TGF-β, RANKL, and OPG will be measured using ELISA. The relationship between these biomarkers and periodontal disease stage and grade will be analyzed. The results are expected to improve understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying periodontal disease progression and to assess the potential role of salivary biomarkers in early diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches.

This prospective observational study aims to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of two oral protozoa, Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax, among patients attending the Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology. While the oral microbiome typically maintains a delicate balance, disruptions in this ecosystem are thought to trigger periodontal diseases. Recent evidence suggests that these parasites may contribute to increased inflammation and tissue destruction, potentially playing a role in the etiology of gingivitis and periodontitis. The study will include 120 participants aged 18 and older who meet the inclusion criteria. Following the collection of demographic data and oral hygiene habits via a questionnaire, a single calibrated examiner will perform comprehensive clinical periodontal examinations. Measurements will include plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and gingival recession (GR) based on the 2017 World Workshop Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. To detect the presence of parasites, unstimulated whole saliva samples and subgingival plaque samples from the deepest periodontal pockets will be collected from each participant. These samples will be analyzed immediately at the Parasitology Laboratory using light microscopy (10X and 40X magnification) to identify live trophozoites. By evaluating the relationship between parasite prevalence and periodontal status, this research aims to contribute to the limited literature on oral protozoa in Turkey and increase clinical awareness regarding their impact on oral health.

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to investigate two different types of toothbrush bristles. The main questions it aims to answer are the effects of two different bristle types on: * how much plaque is on the teeth * how deep the space is between gums and teeth * how much gum and bone are attached to the teeth * whether the gums bleed when checked * if the gums get scratched or irritated Researchers will compare toothbrushes with tapered bristles to those with regular round bristles. Participants will be randomly assigned toothbrush A or B to use at home during the study.

This study aims to better understand how pregnancy affects the health of the gums and tissues that support the teeth. During pregnancy, hormone levels (like estrogen and progesterone) increase significantly. These hormonal changes can cause many changes in the body, including in the mouth. Some pregnant women may notice that their gums become swollen, red, or bleed more easily - this is called pregnancy gingivitis. It happens more often during the second and third trimesters and usually improves after birth. Even if a pregnant person has good oral hygiene, hormonal changes may still make the gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria. Scientists believe that these changes in gum health are linked to how the body responds to hormones, bacteria in the mouth, and changes in the immune system. To explore this further, saliva samples will be collected from: * Pregnant women during their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters * The same women again 6-8 weeks after giving birth * A group of non-pregnant, healthy women as a comparison group The investigators will use a scientific method called untargeted metabolomics to study these saliva samples. This method helps looking at small substances (called metabolites) in saliva to see if there are any patterns related to pregnancy and gum health. The goal is to identify biological changes that happen during pregnancy and understand how they might affect the gums. This research will help improve early detection and prevention of gum problems during pregnancy in the future.

This cross-sectional observational study aims to compare the clinical and radiographic periodontal status, as well as gingival crevicular fluid volume, among cigarette smokers, heated-tobacco product users, and non-smokers. Specifically, the aim is to determine whether tobacco product users exhibit worse clinical parameters-such as probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index, clinical attachment loss-along with greater radiographic bone loss and higher gingival crevicular fluid volume than non-smokers.