A Case-Control Comparison of Salivary pH, Dental and Periodontal Health, and Bacterial Counts of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may exhibit increased oral health vulnerabilities. This study aimed to compare salivary pH, dental and periodontal health, and salivary Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis counts between SLE patients and healthy controls.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A case-control study included 20 SLE patients and 20 healthy controls matched for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and geographic region. All SLE patients had at least one year since diagnosis and met the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) definition (SLEDAI ≤4, no major organ activity, PGA ≤1, prednisone ≤7.5 mg/day, and no recent flare). Medication profiles were not systematically recorded, although patients maintained standard-of-care therapies as per their rheumatologists' prescriptions. Participants brushed at least once daily; smokers and individuals with xerostomia were excluded. Dental (DMFT) and periodontal (GBI, CAL) indices and plaque index were assessed. Unstimulated saliva was collected to measure pH and quantify S. mutans and P. gingivalis counts using PCR.
RESULTS
No significant differences were observed in overall DMFT, decayed or filled teeth, GBI, CAL, or P. gingivalis counts (p > 0.05). Within the limits of the sample size, SLE patients had a higher number of missing teeth and significantly increased S. mutans counts (p < 0.05). Salivary pH was significantly lower in the SLE group (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Tooth loss in SLE may be related to…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 20 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Ferulic acid regulates the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model
- Novel Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Parameters Quantify the Exposure–Effect Relationship of Levofloxacin against Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli
- Photochemical behavior of levofloxacin
- Correlation Between Dissolution Profiles of Salt-Form Drugs in Biorelevant Bicarbonate Buffer and Oral Drug Absorption: Importance of Dose/ Fluid Volume Ratio
- Evaluation of the synergistic potential and mechanisms of action for de novo designed cationic antimicrobial peptides
- Synthesis of [11C]levofloxacin
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.