The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of oral contraceptive (OC) use on the subgingival occurrence of specific periodontopathogens and the host's periodontal status. Materials and Methods: Ninety-two women aged 19 to 40-years-old were included in the study.
They were divided in OC users and non-users and sub-grouped according to the most severe periodontal condition and the duration of OC usage. A pooled subgingival sample from each subject was cultured to investigate the presence of Candida species, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia. Results: OC users, particularly smokers, showed a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of severe periodontitis. OC users had deeper probing depths and higher gingival index scores >/=2 and clinical attachment loss >/=5 mm than non-users (P <0.01). Patients on OCs had significantly higher numbers of cultures positive for Candida.
Seven Candida species were isolated. Subgingival Candida was associated with P. gingivalis and P. intermedia in 82.9% and 85.4%, respectively, in patients taking OCs. A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis and was associated with subgingival P. gingivalis, P. intermedia and Candida. Conclusions: OC use may increase the risk of severe periodontitis and seems to cause a selection of certain Candida species in periodontal pockets. OC users showed a higher prevalence of P. gingivalis, P. intermedia and A. actinomycetemcomitans compared to non-users. C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata were the species with the ability to survive in the conditions created by the sex hormones after 3 years.
Brusca MI, Rosa A, Albaina O, Moragues MD, Verdugo F, Pontón J (J Periodontol. 2010 Apr 6)