Gingivitis: Case Study

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a form of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums (gingiva) and is largely attributed to the accumulation of dental biofilm or plaque. Gingivitis is a precursor to more severe periodontal diseases because the bacteria in dental biofilm produce toxins and enzymes that can irritate the gum tissue, leading to inflammation, redness, and swelling. The most common bacteria involved in gingivitis and periodontitis include Streptococcus species, Actinomyces species, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. 

Practitioner: Jacob Williams, DDS 

Date of Protocol: 6/7/2022-10/25/2022 

Patient Data: 53 year old, male 

Case History: 

Upon initial dental visit (6/7/2022), the patient received a cleaning from a dental hygienist. At this time, the patient had been using Dentalcidin regularly for approximately 18 months, since his last cleaning. Assessment showed that the teeth had remained clean since that time and that “there wasn’t much to do”. Patient reported using a manual brush, and did not have a regular flossing routine. 

Protocol: 

At the appointment (6/7/2022) the hygienist recommended the following: 

• Dentalcidin toothpaste-brush one time per day 
• Increase flossing to daily 
• Start using an electric toothbrush 

Outcome: 

Dental appointment 10/25/2022, the hygienist noted the following improvements: 

• 88% of teeth had reduced pocket probing depth 
• 42% of teeth had a reduction in bleeding. 

*Recommended cleanings are 6 months apart, but these results were achieved in 4 months.