Effect of a carbamide peroxide paste on gingival inflammation

Abstract

Although dental clinicians are acutely aware of the prevalence of periodontal disease among their own patients, the importance of these conditions as a major public health problem is often overlooked. Some measure of the scope of the prob­ lem is furnished by a 1954 epidemiologi­ cal study1 which disclosed that 84 per cent of the United States population suf­ fers from periodontal disease in one form or another. The typical lesion of gingivitis may be caused by such things as subgingival cal­ culus, deficient brushing and massaging and by abnormal contacts between the teeth. Oxidizing agents have been widely and successfully used as adjuncts in the treat­ ment of a variety of periodontal condi­ tions. Hydrogen peroxide solution, U.S.P., in a 3 per cent solution used as a mouth­ wash has germicidal properties,2 aids in the mechanical removal of debris from inaccessible regions,3 inhibits the growth of anaerobic bacteria,4 aids in the de­ bridement of gingival tissue after scaling and curettage,6 and helps to control necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.6 Many reports have been published on carbamide peroxide as a useful agent for the treatment of gingival disease.7 10 However, in discussions of the medica­ ments previously available, the impor­ tance of brushing and massage has been overlooked. The proper technic of mas­ sage, step by step, before a mirror has been indicated to be important in the maintenance of a healthy periodontium.11 The advent of a stable carbamide perox­ ide in a paste form12 provides a valuable chemotherapeutic agent, and the neces­ sary brushing and massaging of the gin­ giva is required for its application. When in contact with the saliva of the mouth, oxygen is released. The importance of massage cannot be overemphasized in the successful treatment of gingival inflam­ mation.