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Background: Oral epithelium forms a physical, chemical and immunological barrier against invading microorganisms. The chemical barrier mainly comprises of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) like cathelicidins. Transcription of cathelicidin anti-microbial peptide (CAMP) gene is induced by binding of the bioactive form of vitamin D to vitamin D receptor. Thus, an increase in vitamin D should significantly improve the chemical barrier function by increasing AMPs. This study explored vitamin D in primary prevention of chronic periodontitis by reinforcing the epithelial barrier by increased action of cathelicidin. This was a single center, randomized, two-way, crossover design study. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin D administration on levels of cathelicidin LL-37 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of chronic periodontitis patients. Methodology: Forty vitamin D insufficient subjects with chronic periodontitis were divided into two groups. GCF sampling was done a day after the periodontal examination. Following this, all the patients were subjected to scaling and root planning (SRP). Test group patients were prescribed oral dose of 2000 IU vitamin D daily for a period of three months. It was followed by a six week washout period. Then the groups were subjected to crossover and the same treatment sequence was followed. Cathelicidin LL-37 level was estimated using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: Vitamin D administration increased the levels of cathelicidin in periodontal diseases. Cathelicidin levels in GCF increase after vitamin D intake. Conclusion: Periodontal diseases might be prevented by reinforcing the epithelial barrier (chemical barrier) by vitamin D induced production of AMPs.

BACKGROUND: Studies have documented the importance of alkaline pH for deposition of calcium phosphate, thereby aiding plaque mineralization. The ureolytic pH response promotes calculus formation by increasing the saturation level of calcium phosphate in plaque fluid. Therefore, AIM - A study was conducted to assess the effect of salivary pH and urea level in mild moderate and heavy calculus formers. METHODS: Group A- Mild calculus formers Group B- Moderate calculus formers Group C- Heavy calculus formers 10 subjects were assigned to each group. Salivary pH was recorded by using pH indicator strips as soon as saliva was collected in a sterile container. Thereafter, biochemical estimation of salivary urea was performed. RESULT-: There was no statistically significant difference in pH levels between Group A and Group B (p=0.97) but significant difference between Group A and Group C (p= 0.01).There was a highly significant difference between Group A and Group C in urea levels .(p

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Clorni* gel as an adjunct to phase 1 therapy, in the treatment of gingivitis. Methodology: The study was carried out on 30 patients. Group 1(control group): scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instruction and Hexi* gel application. Group 2(test group): scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instruction and Clorni* gel application. Clinical parameters like Gingival Index, Plaque Index and Papillary Bleeding Index were recorded at baseline, one week and after one month for each patient. Results: There were reduction in the PI, GI and Papillary bleeding index scores in both the groups. Within the groups (group1 and group 2) clinical parameters showed overall reduction from baseline to 1 month and on multiple analysis the results were statistically significant from baseline to one month, but no statistical significance was seen from one week to one month. On comparison between the groups there was no statistical significance in the clinical parameters. Conclusion: Clorni gel can be used as an adjunct to SRP in the treatment of gingivitis.