Detection of Microplastics in Patients With Periodontitis - a Cross-sectional Study

Plastic particles known as microplastics are now a ubiquitous part of the environment. Human exposure to microplastics occurs through the consumption of contaminated food and polluted air, which affect the intestinal system. Several studies have detected the presence of microplastics in various parts of the human digestive system, e.g., in feces. Unfortunately, little is known about the presence of microplastics in the mouth as the primary part of the digestive system. Periodontal pockets can be considered an ideal deposition site for microplastics. Since microplastics are suspected of being an immunomodulatory factor, there is great interest in their presence in subgingival plaque and their possible exacerbation of chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis. The following study aims to clarify the presence, classification, and concentration of microplastics in subgingival plaque. No comparable study has been identified to date.