The Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on GCF Total Oxidant Capacity in Smoker Patients With Periodontitis Following Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy. A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

All subjects were screened by comprehensive periodontal examination and full periodontal charts were obtained and full-mouth periapical radiographs were taken using the long cone parallel technique at the time of the initial examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Both groups (smokers with stage III-IV grade B periodontitis) received full mouth scaling and root planing using ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments under local anesthesia, completed over 2 visits. Patients were given careful instruction in self performed plaque control measures: twice daily tooth brushing with a brush and tooth paste and once daily interdental cleaning using triangular wooden tooth picks and/or interdental brushes rinsing with 0.125% Chlorhexidine HCL mouthwash (Hexitol® ) to be used twice daily for 2 weeks. Group II received antioxidant vit C 2 grams / day for four weeks.

Collection of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) sample:

In both groups, GCF samples were collected at the initial visit and collected again 3 months after non-surgical treatment as follows : at the selected area (the most periodontally affected site), all clinically detected supragingival plaque were removed carefully to minimize contamination of the paper strips by the plaque . The teeth selected were then gently washed with water, and the sites under study were isolated with cotton rolls to prevent contamination with saliva and gently dried with an air syringe . Filter paper strips were placed at the entrance of the crevice and were left in place for 30 secs ) and then placed in plastic eppendorf. Strips with any plaque, saliva, or blood contamination were discarded .The sample from the individual site was stored at -80°C for later processing . GCF was then extracted and assayed for the content of total oxidant capacity.

Quantitation of TOC in GCF: