Present study suggests that excessive occlusal forces did not cause a significant change in hypoxia and vascular markers, however a slight alteration in subgingival microbiota was observed.

Occlusal trauma is defined as tissue destruction and/or injury resulting in tissue changes in the periodontium as a consequence of excessive occlusal forces or hyper-occlusion. Previous studies suggested accelerated periodontal destruction around teeth with occlusal trauma and increased mobility, however, the evidence is lacking. Recent animal studies found that occlusal trauma increased osteoclastic activity and alveolar bone loss. One possible mechanism suggested for the progression of periodontal destruction with occlusal trauma is that tooth mobility creates a subgingival environment conducive to overgrowth by periodontal pathogens. However, the association of occlusal trauma and subgingival microbiota was not evaluated in previous studies. Therefore, present study aimed to evaluate subgingival dental plaque components and compare with healthy individuals and periodontitis patients without occlusal trauma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Systemical health
• No drug use
• No pregnancy or lactation For group 3 and 4;
• Bruxism at least for 2 years
• Occlusal trauma
• Existence of at least 20 functioning teeth

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoking
• Pregnancy/lactation
• Systemical disease
• Drug use
• Absence of at least 20 functioning teeth

The study population consisted of 80 participants and 4 study groups were created as follows:

Group 1; healthy individuals without occlusal trauma (Group 1, n=20), 6 men and 14 women, mean age 32.06±2.90 Group 2; periodontitis patients without occlusal trauma (Group 2, n=20), 6 men and 14 women, mean age 36.90±4.67 Group 3; healthy individuals with occlusal trauma (Group 3, n=20), 5 men and 15 women, mean age 34.89±7.51 Group 4; periodontitis patients with occlusal trauma (Group 4, n=20) 7 men and 13 women, mean age 36.76±4.40.