Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aim: Qigong is a type of Chinese psychosomatic exercise that integrates meditation, slow physical movements, and breathing. Numerous physical and mental benefits have been classically ascribed to qigong. On the other hand, unstimulated saliva is thought to play an important role in oral immunity, enamel stability and moisturizing the oral mucous membrane. Impaired salivary secretion leads to dental caries, mucosal deterioration and mouth dryness. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of a qigong program on various parameters of saliva such as quantity of unstimulated saliva, pH and SIgA.

Materials and Methods: Twenty three subjects participated in this clinical trial study. The experimental subjects underwent a qigong training program, conducted by a qualified instructor. The program consisted of half an hour daily practice for 6 months (spring and winter). Saliva was collected in two periods: once during the spring before the experiment commencement and the second, in the following spring. During each period saliva collection was done on tuesday of each week. pH and quantity of salvia measurements were taken simultaneously. SIgA measurements were also taken based on the values obtained in the last phase of the experiment at the end of each spring. The results were analyzed using paired sample T test, one way repeated measure and Bon Ferroni multiple comparison. P<0.05 was the level of significance. Results: Based on our findings, the change in the amount of unstimulated salvia as well as SIgA was statistically significant (P<0.001) however, there was no significant difference in pH values before and after experiment.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that after 6 months of practicing qigong, significant changes in amount of unstimulated saliva and SIgA occurred in participants. The authors suggest that qigong may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment that enhances amount of unstimulated saliva and SIgA.

Background and Aim: Low birth weight is a significant public health issue. Recent studies have suggested periodontal diseases as risk factor for preterm labor. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between gingival health and preterm labor in a sample of Iranian female population.
Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 201 pregnant women without any systemic diseases or other risk factors like psychotic conditions were selected. Ninety-nine of them had term labor (infant≥37 weeks) and 102 had preterm labor (infant<37 weeks). Bleeding index, pocket depth and debris index were measured. Data were analyzed by Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests with p<0.05 as the level of significance.
Results: Bleeding index, probing depth and debris index showed statistically significant differences between preterm and term labor mothers (P<0.001).
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, there is a significant relationship between gingival health and duration of pregnancy. Consequently, periodontal diseases could be risk factor for preterm labor. Oral hygiene is strongly recommended to be included in pregnancy health programs.