After gum disease treatment, harmful bacteria decrease in both the gums and the tongue.
Scientific Claim
Periodontitis-associated bacteria decrease in both subgingival plaque and tongue samples after periodontal treatment.
Original Statement
“Periodontitis-associated bacteria decreased in tongue and subgingival samples after periodontal treatment (P < 0.01).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study design is observational and shows association between periodontal treatment and decreased periodontitis-associated bacteria. The language 'decreased' appropriately reflects the observed association.
More Accurate Statement
“Periodontal treatment is associated with a decrease in periodontitis-associated bacteria in both subgingival plaque and tongue samples.”