Phytoterapics for periodontal diseases: systematic review of randomized clinical trials

• Grant number: 19/11766-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2019
• End date: September 30, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Regina Paolucci El Dib
• Grantee: João Vitor da Silva Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Periodontal disease is the most prevalent chronic infection disease in adults, caused by excessive growth of dental plaque from periodontal pathogens. Gingivitis is the most common form of periodontal disease and is highly prevalent, affecting about 50 to 90% of adults worldwide. Another well-known condition is periodontitis, which affects 10.8% of the world's people. Severe periodontitis can cause halitosis, occasional pain and discomfort, impaired chewing and possible tooth loss. In addition, periodontal diseases are also associated with increased risk of diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as well as reduced quality of life. Conventional periodontal treatment consists of proper hygiene and removal of plaque and dental calculus. In addition, antibiotics are generally prescribed for periodontal patients who do not respond to conventional mechanical therapy. However, some of these drugs, such as metronidazole, are ineffective against certain periodontal pathogens. The use of herbal medicines by dental patients is gaining space all over the world. A systematic review of existing evidence including risk assessment of bias from randomized clinical trials as well as verifying the certainty of evidence is needed to elucidate the following clinical question: "Herbal medicines are more effective and safe compared to conventional treatment for disease improvement periodontal disease? ". The research project will be conducted in the Department of Biosciences of Unesp, Brazil. A systematic review will be performed and the following databases will be searched: PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL and LILACS. The systematic review will be sent to the BMJ Open magazine, as we have already published a similar review on herbal medicines for surgical patients in it (Nappi 2019).