Treating gum disease helps increase beneficial bacteria in the gums but doesn't significantly change the bacteria on the tongue.
Scientific Claim
Periodontal treatment increases nitrate-reducing bacteria in subgingival plaque but not in tongue samples of periodontitis patients.
Original Statement
“After periodontal treatment, there was a clear increase in these groups in subgingival plaque (p < 0.001 for nitrite-producers and confirmed nitrate-reducers), but not in tongue samples.”
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 increased nitrate-reducing bacteria in subgingival plaque but not in tongue samples. The language appropriately reflects the observed association.
More Accurate Statement
“Periodontal treatment is associated with an increase in nitrate-reducing bacteria in subgingival plaque but not in tongue samples of periodontitis patients.”