Evaluation of salivary BDNF levels in gingivitis and periodontitis: a preliminary research

Abstract

Background: Oral health is closely related to physical health, life comfort, and functional needs. Gingivitis is a condition that means hardening of the gum tissue, prone to redness, swelling, or bleeding due to different reasons. Periodontitis damages the soft tissue around the teeth. It is a serious gum infection that destroys the bone that supports a person's teeth, if left untreated. BDNF is a member of the neurotrophin family, playing roles in the survival, growth, and function of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system. This study aims to determine and compare salivary BDNF levels in individuals with periodontal disease and healthy controls, and to assess its relationship with clinical periodontal parameters.

Methods: After the participants were informed and their consent was obtained, unstimulated saliva samples were taken. In our study, experimental and control groups were formed with 30 people in each group. BDNF level was measured in the saliva samples taken.

Results: We found no statistically significant difference in age and gender between the healthy group, gingivitis group, and periodontitis group. There was a significant difference in the PI, GI, PPD, CAL, and BOP values in all three groups. No statistically significant difference was found when salivary BDNF levels of the groups included in the study were compared.

Conclusions: Demographic and clinical findings recorded in this study support that the amount of BDNF partially affects periodontal health parameters and neurological diseases.