Journal Article: "Puberty-associated Gingivitis"
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The article that I chose, and had found very interesting, was about puberty-associated gingivitis. Puberty-associated gingivitis is an exaggerated inflammatory response of the gingiva to a relatively small amount of dental plaque biofilm. There was a study that was done in the article I had found that involved 88 14 year olds, all of which were going through puberty. Plaque and gingival bleeding was recorded after 6 teeth were probed from each subject. Bitewing radiographs were also taken at the time, and bone loss was undetectable. The same examination was repeated two years later on the
subjects and there was a significant change in visible plaque, gingival bleeding and inflammation. The results indicated that gingivitis can be associated with puberty. On another note, the level of good oral hygiene also played a significant role in the reduction of plaque, gingival bleeding, and inflammation.
Etiology of the disease:
Puberty-associated gingivitis is caused by gingivitis associated with the endocrine system and fluctuations in sex hormones (which is a systemic factor). Changes in these levels result in an exaggerated response to the presence of bacterial plaque.
Diagnostic Factors:
Clinical signs include inflamed gingiva with swollen papillae on the facial aspect of the gingival tissue. The gingiva may appear red, soft, smooth, and may have some bleeding upon slight provocation.
Pathogens associated with Puberty-associated Gingivitis:
-Actinomyces naeslundii (Gram + rod)
-Streptococcus anginosis (Gram + cocci)
-Streptococcus sanguis (Gram + cocci)
-Campylobacter concisus (Gram - rods)
AAP Clasification (American Academy of Periodontology):
Type I
Prevalence:
Puberty-associated gingivitis is found in both male and female adolescents.
Patient Education:
It is very important to educate the patient about what gingivitis is, what causes it, and what they can do to prevent it. The patient must know how to brush their teeth properly as well as floss.
Treatment Recommendations:
The goal of treatment is to reduce gingival inflammation. The dental hygienist can professionally clean the patient's teeth, but it is up to the patient to continue to keep the inflammation down. They can do this my carefully flossing and brushing. The hygienist should also recommend a bacterial mouth rinse for the patient to use.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Patient should continue to brush, floss, and use mouth rinse. Patient should also schedule dental visits every 4 months until their gums are in good health, then they may schedule dental visits for regular 6 months recare.
References:
Tiainen, L., Asikainen, S., & Saxén, L. (1992). Puberty-associated gingivitis. Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology, 20(2), 87-89. doi:10.1111/1600-0528.ep12035048
Nield-Gehrig, J. S. (2011). Foundations of periodontics for the dental hygienist. (3rd ed., pp. 236-240). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
subjects and there was a significant change in visible plaque, gingival bleeding and inflammation. The results indicated that gingivitis can be associated with puberty. On another note, the level of good oral hygiene also played a significant role in the reduction of plaque, gingival bleeding, and inflammation.
Etiology of the disease:
Puberty-associated gingivitis is caused by gingivitis associated with the endocrine system and fluctuations in sex hormones (which is a systemic factor). Changes in these levels result in an exaggerated response to the presence of bacterial plaque.
Diagnostic Factors:
Clinical signs include inflamed gingiva with swollen papillae on the facial aspect of the gingival tissue. The gingiva may appear red, soft, smooth, and may have some bleeding upon slight provocation.
Pathogens associated with Puberty-associated Gingivitis:
-Actinomyces naeslundii (Gram + rod)
-Streptococcus anginosis (Gram + cocci)
-Streptococcus sanguis (Gram + cocci)
-Campylobacter concisus (Gram - rods)
AAP Clasification (American Academy of Periodontology):
Type I
Prevalence:
Puberty-associated gingivitis is found in both male and female adolescents.
Patient Education:
It is very important to educate the patient about what gingivitis is, what causes it, and what they can do to prevent it. The patient must know how to brush their teeth properly as well as floss.
Treatment Recommendations:
The goal of treatment is to reduce gingival inflammation. The dental hygienist can professionally clean the patient's teeth, but it is up to the patient to continue to keep the inflammation down. They can do this my carefully flossing and brushing. The hygienist should also recommend a bacterial mouth rinse for the patient to use.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Patient should continue to brush, floss, and use mouth rinse. Patient should also schedule dental visits every 4 months until their gums are in good health, then they may schedule dental visits for regular 6 months recare.
References:
Tiainen, L., Asikainen, S., & Saxén, L. (1992). Puberty-associated gingivitis. Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology, 20(2), 87-89. doi:10.1111/1600-0528.ep12035048
Nield-Gehrig, J. S. (2011). Foundations of periodontics for the dental hygienist. (3rd ed., pp. 236-240). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.