The effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid stress hormone levels: A prospective study

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment (PT) on anxiety/depression scale scores and on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cortisol (COR) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels. Methods: Fifty-five participants with generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP group, n: 21), with localized chronic periodontitis (LCP group, n: 19) and with gingivitis or healthy (control group, n: 15) subjects were treated and followed up for 6 months. Clinical periodontal parameters include plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and attachment level; psychosocial measurements include Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI 1-2) psychometric instruments; hormone levels in GCF including COR and DHEA were evaluated. Results: All clinical parameters were significantly decreased (except attachment loss) after PT (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups for STAI-1-2 and BDI scores, either at baseline or at 6 months (p > 0.05). COR levels were statistically lower following PT in GCP and LCP groups when compared to the baseline levels (p < 0.05). DHEA values at baseline and 6 months did not show significant differences. Conclusion: Within the limits of the study, decreased GCF COR and unchanged GCF DHEA levels were determined in nonsurgically treated patients regardless of the extent and severity of periodontitis.