Study Shows Even Brief Periods of Poor Oral Hygiene Adversely Impact Dental Health

Researchers from the Single-Cell Center, Qingdao Institute of BioEnergy and Bioprocess Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences examined the effects of postponing oral hygiene measures for 1 day to 3 days.¹ What they found supports the important role dental hygienists play in educating their patients on proper oral hygiene. 

The study involved 40 adults with varying levels of gingivitis. To establish a healthy baseline, the subjects were asked to perform optimal oral hygiene for 3 weeks. Next, they were told to interrupt their healthy routine for 4 weeks, which induced gingivitis. The oral hygiene routine was then restarted, leading to a reversal of the gingivitis that had developed. Throughout this phase of the study, the researchers analyzed bacterial changes as well as the immune responses of the study participants.

FAST DECLINE 

The researchers discovered that cessation of oral hygiene activities for 24 hours to 72 hours resulted in a precipitous decrease in the Rothia species, helpful oral bacteria, along with the anti-inflammatory chemical betaine. Within that timeframe, they also found a dramatic increase in harmful bacteria—the kind typically associated with periodontitis, even though symptoms were not yet present. 

Likewise, other factors came into play, including sudden activation of salivary cytokines, signaling an immune system reaction to inflammation. Researchers also found an aging aspect related to cessation of oral hygiene. 

GINGIVITIS AND AGING

The researchers report that the participants’ oral microbiome had aged about a year in the course of the study period. This reflects findings from previous studies indicating that as people age, the composition and population of some oral bacteria, such as Rothia, decrease.

According to the researchers, during the early stages of gingivitis, the microbial ecology is strikingly similar to periodontitis. They conclude that exposures to gingivitis can result in a tenfold acceleration of the normal rate of oral microbiota aging. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention and the establishment of a proper daily oral hygiene routine. Use of a periodontitis-preventive approach can go a long way in ensuring healthy aging of the oral ecosystem. 

The study’s investigators plan to continue studying the link between Rothia, betaine, and inflammation in the hope that they can discover more effective strategies to combat gingivitis in its early stages.

ORAL HYGIENE EDUCATION IS KEY

The results of this study should encourage oral health professionals to continue providing critical patient education on oral hygiene measures. Fortunately, there is no shortage of dental hygiene aids available to help patients maintain optimal oral health.

Far from asleep at the switch, manufacturers offer a range of both electric and manual toothbrushes. Specially designed bristles, brush heads, and handles are available to address assorted dental issues and accommodate patients of any age. Interdental brushes have gained ground in the oral healthcare market as a way of keeping plaque buildup at bay on interproximal surfaces. These oral hygiene tools can make all the difference in patients who don’t floss.

Reference

1. Huang S, He T, Feng Y, et al. Longitudinal multi-omics and microbiome meta-analysis identify an asymptomatic gingival state that links gingivitis, periodontitis, and aging. mBio. 2021;12:e03281–20.