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Gingivitis in a common oral disease, reported to affect 4 of 5 adults across the globe (Beaglehole 2009). The onset of gingivitis follows the accumulation of dental plaque and can be evident as early as 48 hours after dental plaque begins to form (Figure 3). Gingivitis can be prevented by maintaining low levels of plaque, and it can also be reversed (Tonetti et al. 2015).
Plaque produces an inflammatory reaction in the gingival tissues that results in increased blood flow and dilation of blood vessels. This is accompanied by an increase in all types of inflammatory cells, leading to swelling and reddening of the tissues after 48–96 hours. Continued exposure to plaque bacteria and their byproducts, such as metabolic toxins and proteolytic enzymes, promotes further inflammation and swelling, as well as engorgement and stasis of blood flow giving the tissues a bluish or purplish hue after fourteen to twenty- one days. At this point it is defined as an established gingivitis and it is not associated with irreversible damage. Without intervention, it may remain stable or progress to periodontitis with loss of attachment and destruction of the alveolar bone.
Figure 3. Gingivitis with redness and swelling
There are three ways in which gingivitis reductions can be achieved:
Gingivitis affects 4 of 5 adults globally
The reductions in gingivitis observed with stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrice are due to the broad-spectrum anti-bacterial activity of stannous fluoride (Ramji et al. 2005). Stannous fluoride inhibits bacterial metabolism, and thus reduces bacterial growth, bacterial adhesion and the production of toxins that potentiate gingival inflammation (Ramji et al. 2005, White 1995). Stannous fluoride also reduces the virulence of plaque by blocking the reactivity of LPS with tissue receptors that trigger inflammation (Haught et al. 2016a).
The stannous ion has high substantivity in the oral cavity, imparting a long-lasting antibacterial effect (Scott et al. 2009). Stannous levels in plaque remain above levels that are sufficient to inhibit metabolic activity up to twelve hours after exposure (Ramji et al. 2005). Otten et al. (2012) demonstrated that twelve hours after brushing with stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrice, plaque samples retained enough residual anti-bacterial activity to inhibit fresh, unexposed plaque samples. Given that dental plaque is associated with gingivitis, reducing and inhibiting plaque contributes to reductions in gingivitis. Retention of the stannous ion in plaque that remains after oral hygiene is important since the plaque that is missed during brushing is often in hard-to-reach areas where removal matters most to prevent the build-up of plaque and the onset of gingivitis.
Reference: Mankodi S, Bartizek RD, Winston JL, et al. J Clin Periodontol. 2005;32(1):75-80.
Over a 6-month period a 0.454% stabilized stannous fluoride (Crest® PRO-HEALTH™) dentifrice showed a statistically significant and clinically relevant effect on the control and prevention of gingivitis compared to a negative control dentifrice (Colgate® Cavity Protection).
To compare the anti-gingivitis efficacy of a stabilized SnF2 dentifrice versus a positive control triclosan dentifrice over a 2-month period.
- 0.454% stabilized SnF2 dentifrice (Crest® PRO-HEALTH™ Clean Mint [Smooth Formula], Procter & Gamble)
or
- Positive control dentifrice with 0.3% triclosan and 0.243% sodium fluoride (Colgate® Total®, Colgate-Palmolive)
a Adjusted means and standard errors from analysis of covariance with baseline score as covariate.
b Percent reduction = 100% x (control-experimental mean)/control mean.
Figure 1. Analysis of Covariance Summary for gingivitis (MGI). Improvement from baseline at Month 2.
Figure 2 - Analysis of Covariance Summary for gingival bleeding (GBI). Improvement from baseline at Month 2.
Figure 3 - Analysis of Covariance Summary for number of bleeding sites. Improvement from baseline at Month 2.
To assess the effects of a 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice on the treatment of gingivitis as compared to a positive control dentifrice in a 2-month clinical trial.
Reference: CR Goyal1, JG Qaqish1, T He2, R Eusebio2. 1All Sum Research, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. 2Procter & Gamble, Mason, OH USA
Figure 1. Number of bleeding sites per group
* Significant difference between groups at Month 2, P<0.001. Groups were not significantly different at Baseline (P>0.05).
To compare the anti-gingivitis efficacy of a stabilized SnF2 dentifrice versus a positive control triclosan dentifrice over a 2-month period.
- 0.454% stabilized SnF2 dentifrice (Crest® PRO-HEALTH™ Clean Mint [Smooth Formula], Procter & Gamble)
or
- Positive control dentifrice with 0.3% triclosan and 0.243% sodium fluoride (Colgate® Total®, Colgate-Palmolive)
Gingival bleeding is an important early sign of gingivitis, the initial stage of periodontal disease. Reducing gingival bleeding is the ultimate goal of treating gingivitis, since research indicates the absence of gingival bleeding is a reliable indicator for sustained periodontal health.* This clinical trial showed subjects using the SnF2 dentifrice had significantly fewer (21.8%) bleeding sites than those using a positive control triclosan dentifrice after 2 months of use. Based on these findings, dental professionals should consider recommending the SnF2 dentifrice to patients with gingivitis to reduce bleeding and improve periodontal health.
* Lang NP. et al. J Clin Periodontol. 1990 Nov;17(10):714-21.
Reference: Gerlach RW, Sagel PA, Barker ML, et al. J Dent Res 2015; 94 (Spec Iss A): Abstract 0293.
Overall
Plaque and Gingivitis
Tooth Color
Figure 1. Number of bleeding sites per group
* Day 7 and Day 21 are Means adjusted for Day 0. For both groups, Day 7 and Day 21 scores were statistically significantly different (P<0.0001) from Day 0.
Figure 2. Gingivitis (Digital Gingival Imaging, a higher G-value indicates less gingivitis)
* Day 7 and Day 21 are Means adjusted for Day 0 For both groups, Day 7 and Day 21 scores were statistically significantly different (P<0.007) from Day 0.
Figure 3 - Analysis of Covariance Summary for number of bleeding sites. Improvement from baseline at Month 2.
To compare the anti-gingivitis efficacy of a stabilized SnF2 dentifrice versus a positive control triclosan dentifrice over a 2-month period.
- 0.454% stabilized SnF2 dentifrice (Crest® PRO-HEALTH™ Clean Mint [Smooth Formula], Procter & Gamble)
or
- Positive control dentifrice with 0.3% triclosan and 0.243% sodium fluoride (Colgate® Total®, Colgate-Palmolive)
Figure 4. Study Design
Figure 4. Study Design
A thorough examination of the gingiva includes evaluation of color, size, shape (form or contour), consistency, surface texture, position of the gingival margin and junctional epithelium, mucogingival junctions, bleeding and exudate.
Notation of gingival conditions is part of every intraoral examination.Early recognition of gingival and periodontal infections prevents neglect of conditions that can develop into severe disease.
Classification of gingival diseases is a significant part of an intraoral examination. A patient’s diagnosis and treatment rely on proper classification of gingival diseases.
Patient Profile:Patient is a 48year old White Caucasian male, 5’9” and weighs 175 lbs. He is employed at an industrial warehouse.
Chief Complaint:“Tartar builds up on my bridge and my gums bleed when I brush. You will have a difficult time cleaning my teeth.”
Patient Profile:Patient is a 48year old White Caucasian female, 5’2” and weighs 110 lbs.
Chief Complaint:“My teeth are really sensitive and my gums bleed when I brush my teeth.”
Patient Profile:Patient is a 42year old AfricanAmerican female, 5’8” and weighs 175 lbs. She has not received regular dental care and reports her teeth need to be cleaned.
Chief Complaint:“I am concerned that I have gum disease. I have bad breath and my gums bleed when I brush.”
Patient Profile:Patient is a 29year old AfricanAmerican female, 5’4” and weighs 150 lbs. Patient reports she has never had her teeth cleaned and is anxious about dental work.
Chief Complaint:“My gums bleed when I brush. I have sensitivity to hot and cold most of the time and I have a sore on my tongue.”
Patient Profile:Patient is a 35year old White Caucasian male.
Chief Complaint:“My gums are sore and bleed when I brush.”
Epidemiology of Pregnancy Gingivitis: Evidence from the OHMOM Study
Purpose: To review selected past research and evaluatehypothesis that anatomical distortions and dysfunction of the craniomandibular cervical complex lead to systemic inflammationaffecting neural and hormonal pathways.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the AntiGingivitis Efficacy of an Oral Hygiene Routine including a Novel Stabilized Stannous Fluoride Dentifrice, OscillatingRotating Electric Toothbrush and Floss
Purpose:To evaluate the antigingivitis efficacy of an experimental oral hygiene routine (stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrice, oscillatingrotating electric toothbrush and floss) versus a control (dental prophylaxis, standard anticavity dentifrice and soft manual toothbrush) over a 6week period.
The effects of different levels of brush end rounding on gingival abrasion: a double‑blind randomized clinical trial
Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of filament end rounding on gingival abrasions (GAs).
Educate your patients on gingivitis and how to prevent and treat this condition.
Educate expectant mothers on the importance of good oral health during pregnancy.
Teach your patients about the causes of bleeding gums and how you treat them.
Tell your patients’ the symptoms and treatment for gum disease and share tips on how to prevent gum disease in the future.