Herpes labialis in patient with periodontitis: A concomitant or exacerbating factor

Abstract

The significance of herpes viruses in the causation and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases is not completely understood. However, the viral-bacterial association appears to be implicated in the development of periodontal diseases. The article was a report of herpes labialis in a patient with periodontitis as a concomitant or exacerbating factor. This article reported a case of herpes labialis in an otherwise healthy 59-year-old female with Miller Grade I mobility of 47 associated 5 mm periodontal pocket and severe pain. Subgingival scaling, root planning, and grinding of the nonfunctional cusp of affected tooth was done under local anesthesia. The periodontal dressing was applied, analgesics and antibiotic medication prescribed, warm saline mouth bath and oral hygiene instruction given before discharge. On recall, complete resolution of pain, tooth mobility, and herpes labialis were noted. In conclusion, herpes labialis may be considered as a potential periodontitis exacerbating or concomitant factor if it occurs before or at same time, respectively. Assessment of symptoms of herpes labialis and evaluation of herpes simplex-1 antibodies in periodontitis patients of the negroid race presenting with pain is recommended.