Semi-Quantifying Oral Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils In Subjects with Healthy Periodontium - An In Vivo Study

Background: The innate immune response of an individual depends on the critical role played by the neutrophils. They migrate into the oral cavity at an increased rate in the presence of any inflammatory condition and act as the sentinels of oral immune system. They are present both in diseased as well as healthy periodontium in varied numbers respectively. Aim:To quantify and determine oral polymorphonuclear neutrophils (oral-PMNs) range in subjects with healthy periodontium. Settings and Design: Forty two subjects were recruited for the study initially based on convenient sampling technique. Subjects were then standardized, monitored and imparted with rigorous oral hygiene measures over a period of three weeks until absolute no signs of gingival inflammation was observed. A standardized 10ml saline rinse for 30 seconds duration were collected from subjects before examination and instrumentation. Clinical examination was performed with the help of Loe-Silness's Gingival Index. Neutrophils were observed under the blue light of Fluorescent microscope, quantified and then correlated with the clinical parameters. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics was generated. Mean and Standard deviation was calculated for the continuous variables gingivalindex score and oral-PMNsvalues. Results: When the subjects attained an average Gingival Index score of less than 0.5, oral-PMNs counts determined on subjects in absolute oral health was seen in the range from 0.04 – 1.05 x 105/ml. Conclusions: Oral-PMNs counts obtained through a 30 seconds oral rinse served as a good marker of oral inflammatory load in subjects with healthy periodontium, which in turn would provide a healthy norm for advent of any oral inflammatory condition in future.