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Background: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) significantly impact quality of life and are linked to systemic inflammation. This study explores the potential connection between oral and respiratory health by investigating the benefits of integrating periodontal therapy into pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for CRD patients. Objective: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessed the impact of periodontal therapy combined with PR on lung function, quality of life, and systemic inflammation in CRD patients. Methods: 2500 adults with CRDs and moderate to severe periodontal disease were randomized to receive standard PR or PR plus periodontal therapy. The primary outcome was the change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Secondary outcomes included quality of life, inflammatory markers, and periodontal health parameters. Results: The combined therapy group showed significantly greater improvements in FEV1 (P < 0.001), quality of life (P < 0.05), and inflammatory markers (P < 0.01) compared to the PR-only group. Significant improvements were also observed in all periodontal health parameters in the combined therapy group. Conclusion: Integrating periodontal therapy into PR programs provides additional benefits for CRD patients, suggesting a potential mechanism through which addressing periodontal inflammation positively impacts overall health. These findings support the inclusion of periodontal therapy as an adjunctive treatment strategy in CRD management.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health concern in India, with exacerbations leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition, may affect COPD outcomes by promoting systemic inflammation. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association between periodontal inflammation and the risk of COPD exacerbations in the Indian population. Methods: A total of 2500 participants with established COPD from various regions of India were enrolled and followed for five years. Baseline assessments included comprehensive periodontal evaluations, with measurements of clinical parameters and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6). COPD exacerbations were defined as events requiring medical intervention, such as hospitalization, emergency room visits, or changes in medication. Results: Periodontal inflammation, measured by clinical attachment loss and elevated inflammatory markers, was significantly associated with a higher risk of COPD exacerbations (Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.3, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.7–3.1), even after adjusting for confounders. Specific periodontal parameters and inflammatory markers were identified as strong predictors of future exacerbations. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that periodontal inflammation is an independent and potentially modifiable risk factor for COPD exacerbations in the Indian population. Addressing periodontal health as a part of COPD management may offer a novel approach to reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, thereby improving quality of life and clinical outcomes.

Background: Recently, various adjunctive treatment options along with Scaling and root planing (SRP) such as local drug delivery, medications, and lasers have been introduced for the treatment Chronic periodontitis (CP) but literature is limited. Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of 940 nm diode laser and propolis gel in adjunct to Scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of CP. Subjects and Methods: Randomized clinical trial was conducted among 30 CP patients with a probing depth of ≥5 mm was allocated randomly into Group 1 (SRP), Group 2 (SRP + diode laser), and Group 3 (SRP + propolis gel). Plaque index, gingival index, pocket probing depth, and clinical attachment level were assessed at baseline, one and three months. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 17 for windows, and statistical techniques employed were repeated measures by using One-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD, independent t-test, and paired t-test. Results: Post-treatment sites among all the three groups showed statistically significant reduction in Periodontal index (PI), Probing pocket depth (PPD), and Clinical attachment level (CAL), whereas gingival inflammation was significantly reduced in groups 2 and 3 from baseline to one and three months. On comparison, at baseline, all clinical parameters were statistically insignificant. At one month, the mean difference of PI, Gingival index (GI) was statistically significant between group 1 and 2 whereas the mean difference of CAL and PPD were statistically significant from group 1 to groups 2 and 3. Conclusions: Lasers with SRP were greatly effective in reducing gingival inflammation, PPD, and CAL. Propolis gel also offered encouraging and promising clinical results but still needs further long-term studies to establish its precise role in the treatment of CP.