PurposeThe present study has two aims; firstly, it attempts to verify the presence of oxidative stress by estimating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in periodontal pockets ≥5 mm as compared to controls. The second aim is to evaluate the effect of lycopene as a locally delivered antioxidant gel on periodontal health and on the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative injury.MethodsThirty-one subjects participated in this study. In the pretreatment phase, the ROS levels in pockets ≥5 mm were measured by flow cytometry. Three sites in each subject were randomly assigned into each of the following experimental groups: sham group, only scaling and root planing (SRP) was done; placebo group, local delivery of placebo gel after SRP; and lycopene group, local delivery of lycopene gel after SRP. Clinical parameters included recording site-specific measures of GCF 8-OHdG, plaque, gingivitis, probing depth, and clinical attachment level.ResultsThe gel, when delivered to the sites with oxidative stress, was effective in increasing clinical attachment and in reducing gingival inflammation, probing depth, and 8-OHdG levels as compared to the placebo and sham sites.ConclusionsFrom this trial conducted over a period of 6 months, it was found that locally delivered lycopene seems to be effective in reducing the measures of oxidative stress and periodontal disease.

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The data derived from the study supports the contention of many researchers that there is no single superior design of manual toothbrush. Though minor and some site differences in favor of the brushes were seen, they were not statistically significant.

Purpose: To assess motivation in patients undergoing periodontal treatment by using the novel Dental Treatment Motivation Scale (DTMS). Materials and Methods:The study is a questionnaire study, consisting of 15 questions using a motivation scale to test what factors motivate the patient to undergo periodontal therapy. 212 patients attending the Department Of Periodontics for periodontal therapy in the month of May, 2014 were evaluated through the questionnaire.Results: All patients showed high degree of motivation for undergoing treatment. Intrinsic motivation scored higher than extrinsic motivation. Conclusions:Motivation plays an important role in treatment seeking behavior. Dentists can play a vital role in motivating and counseling patients to undergo periodontal therapy.