International Journal of Medical Science and Dental Research

Current Issue Volume 9 Issue 2 (March-April 2026)

    • Comparative Evaluation of Gingival Depigmentation Using Diode Laser With and Without Topical Vitamin C Application: A 6-Month Follow-Up Clinical Study
      Abstract: Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate gingival depigmentation performed using a diode laser with and without topical vitamin C application, and to assess postoperative pain, wound healing, and repigmentation over a period of six months.
      Materials and Methods Twenty systemically and periodontally healthy patients aged between 24 and 38 years presenting with physiologic gingival hyperpigmentation were enrolled in this randomized clinical study. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups of ten each: • Group I – Gingival depigmentation using diode laser without vitamin C application • Group II – Gingival depigmentation using diode laser followed by topical vitamin C application Depigmentation was carried out using an 810 nm diode laser. Postoperative pain and discomfort were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 2 hours, 24 hours, and 1 week postoperatively. Wound healing was assessed clinically, and re-pigmentation was evaluated at 1 month and 6 months postoperatively.
      Results Both groups demonstrated satisfactory gingival depigmentation with minimal postoperative discomfort. Group II showed improved wound healing and reduced re-pigmentation at the end of six months compared to Group I.
      Conclusion Diode laser is an effective modality for gingival depigmentation. The adjunctive use of topical vitamin C appears to enhance wound healing and delay re-pigmentation.
      Clinical Significance Laser-assisted gingival depigmentation is a minimally invasive, patient-friendly procedure. The addition of vitamin C may provide additional benefits by improving healing outcomes and reducing recurrence of pigmentation.


      Keywords: Gingival depigmentation, diode laser, vitamin C, melanin, aesthetics’.



        • Phlorotannin-Mediated Upregulation of LL-37 as an Antimicrobial Peptide Against Porphyromonas gingivalis in Periodontitis
          Abstract:Periodontitis affects 74.1% of Indonesians, with Porphyromonas gingivalis as a key pathogen. Antibiotics remain the standard therapy but are limited by resistance and adverse effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and taste alteration, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. Indonesia is rich in edible brown algae such as Ecklonia cava, Sargassum sp., Rugulopteryx okamurae, and Ascophyllum nodosum, which contain phlorotannins with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Emerging evidence indicates that phlorotannins may enhance LL-37, an endogenous antimicrobial peptide effective against P. gingivalis. This review explores the potential of phlorotannins to enhance the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity of LL-37 in periodontitis. A literature review was conducted focusing on (1) phlorotannin extraction and bioactivity, (2) its effects on LL-37, and (3) the role of LL-37 in periodontitis, selecting studies published within the last ten years. Brown algae–derived phlorotannins exhibit strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly when extracted using microwave-assisted extraction at 180°C for 10 minutes with ethanol (1:20 w/v). Phlorotannins enhance LL-37 α-helical stability, increase antibacterial efficacy, reduce cytotoxicity, inhibit P. gingivalis biofilm formation, promote autophagy-mediated bacterial clearance, and support periodontal tissue regeneration. Phlorotannin-mediated enhancement of LL-37 represents a promising natural adjunctive strategy for periodontitis management, warranting further investigation.


          Keywords: antimicrobial, LL-37, periodontitis, phlorotannin, Porphyromonas gingivalis



            • Reproductive hormones and semen quality among fertile adults with and without periodontitis: A crosssectional study
              Abstract: Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between reproductive hormone levels and semen parameters in relation to periodontal disease in fertile men.
              Methods: Data from 95 fertile participants over 30 years old, whose partners were currently pregnant, who had periodontitis on periodontal examination, and who had detailed available reproductive hormone levels and semen quality, were included in our analysis. Correlations between the presence and absence of periodontitis and levels of both reproductive hormones (total testosterone (T), FSH, and inhibin-B) and semen quality in fertile men were determined and analysed.
              Results: Fertile men with periodontitis had significantly lower sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology than men without periodontitis (p=0.013; 0.006, respectively). FSH levels were slightly higher, while inhibin-B levels were slightly lower in fertile men with periodontitis, without a significant difference. Interestingly, T levels were also significantly lower in fertile men with periodontitis than in those without periodontitis. Despite these differences, there was no difference between the groups in relation to the time to achieve pregnancy or the nature of pregnancy.
              Conclusions: We conclude that even in fertile men, periodontitis is associated with some degree of testicular hypofunction. These findings are consistent with the existence of an association of periodontitis with reproductive hormone levels, especially T, and semen parameters in fertile men.


              Keywords: Fertile Men, Inhibin-B, Periodontitis, Semen parameters, Testosterone



                • Azithromycin as an Adjunct to Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy in Periodontitis: A Comprehensive Review
                  Abstract: Periodontitis is associated with inflammation of periodontal apparatus, leading to destruction of connective attachment and loss of teeth. Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial disease. Periodontal therapy including either surgical and/or non-surgical methods results in improvement of periodontal health. In some cases, scaling and root planing (SRP) is insufficient to treat periodontal infection. SRP in combination with local/ systemic antibiotics has been shown to yield better results than SRP alone. Azithromycin is an acclaimed macrolide, among a broad antimicrobial spectrum, competent contending on periodontopathic microorganisms. This manuscript reviews the efficacy of azithromycin as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy in managing periodontitis. It centers around pharmacokinetics, immunomodulatory effects, and clinical efficacy based on several studies. Recent evidence suggests that azithromycin not only reduces microbial load, but it also enhances periodontal tissue healing by modulating inflammatory pathways and improves function of fibroblasts. The findings suggest that azithromycin helps in improving periodontal health, but its long-term effectiveness and resistance concerns necessitate further research.


                  Keywords: Azithromycin, Periodontitis, Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy, Scaling and Root Planing, Immunomodulation, Periodontal tissue healing.