Chronic Dental Caries / Gingivitis: Case Study
Dental Caries:Dental caries are the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide, affecting people across the lifespan. They are caused by a dysbiotic community of microorganisms that form cariogenic biofilm (known as plaque). Plaque turns into tartar (calcified deposits) also known as calculus. Calculus results in damage to the enamel (hard surface of the teeth) leading to tooth decay.1
Symptoms include:2
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Grey, brown, or black spots on teeth
- Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet
- Visible holes or pits in teeth
- Bleeding gums
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the earliest form of inflammatory gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). Dysbiosis, and the resulting plaque and calculus build up is the most common cause of gingivitis. Calculus causes swelling and inflammation of the gingiva, which if left untreated, may progress to more serious conditions like periodontitis, tooth decay, and tooth loss.3
Symptoms include:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bright red or dark red gums
- Gums that bleed easily with brushing or flossing
- Tender gums
- Halitosis (bad breath)
Practitioner: Dr. Emily Hernandez
Date of Protocol: 11/20/2023- 03/20/2023
Patient Data: 28 year old female
Case History: Patient reported struggling with dental caries her whole life, and attributed this to genetics. She has a history of dental caries too numerous to count. She reported that she typically has new caries with each dental visit, as well as receding gums, gingivitis and sensitive teeth. She has these ongoing symptoms despite a thorough daily oral hygiene routine of brushing (twice daily) and flossing.
Protocol: Patient was prescribed a three month protocol of Dentalcidin toothpaste (pea sized amount - brush twice daily) and Dentalcidin LS oral rinse (2 pumps-swish for 2 minutes and spit out).
Outcome: Patient reported she had her first dental appointment with no caries or gum issues identified.
- Mosaddad, S.A., Tahmasebi, E., Yazdanian, A. et al. Oral microbial biofilms: an update. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 38, 2005–2019 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-019-03641-9
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453