The association between styrene polymers and the development or worsening of periodontal disease was studied in 1,473 workers from two industrial settings: plants producing or using styrene monomers or its polymers. A significant increase in the number of periodontal disease cases was found in the exposed workers, and styrene dust, mainly containing degraded materials and a few very small spheres, was identified as the potential causative factor. Experimental studies further demonstrated that styrene dimers caused back-migration in the saliva and were able to inhibit some of the saliva enzyme-derived enzymes, leading to a temporary decrease in antibacterial action. This study discusses some strategies to enhance the quality of periodontal disease treatment for exposed workers. These may include specific individual follow-up, campaigns to create workers' awareness of the problem, dentists' awareness while treating exposed subjects, and detailed anamnesis prescriptions addressed to the exposed workers treated by Periodontology Units.

periodontal disease, workers, medical diagnosis, polymers, prescriptions, feedbacks.

Manuela Teixeira (2019) Holistic approaches to treating periodontal disease

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