Experimental Gingivitis During Pregnancy and Post‐Partum: Immunohistochemical Aspects

Abstract

The histoimmunological response of 8 individuals was studied longitudinally in relation to the development of experimental gingivitis during pregnancy and post-partum. At day 0 as well as at day 14 of experimental gingivitis the mean periodontal pocket bleeding index (PPBI) was higher during pregnancy than post-partum, whereas the amount of plaque that accumulated was similar. The number of CD1 positive cells (mainly Langerhans) in the oral epithelium was found to be higher during pregnancy. In the sulcular epithelium, however, the number of these cells tended to decrease during pregnancy as compared to post-partum. The number of CD4 positive cells in oral and sulcular epithelium was increased during pregnancy (P < 0.05). It was speculated that this increase in the number of CD4 positive cells is confined to the Th-1 subset, since the number of CD14 positive cells (mainly macrophages and granulocytes) together with the number of B cells was found to be decreased during pregnancy. Th-1 cells are known to be cytotoxic against these HLA class II antigen bearing cells. Consequently, cytotoxicity directed against B cells and macrophages may result in diminished immunoresponsiveness in pregnancy gingivitis.

Evolution of resident oral bacterial biota in BALB/c mice during pregnancy and lactation

“…In humans, several factors of the oral ecosystem have been shown to vary during pregnancy: hormonal levels in gingival crevicular fluid [9,10] and gingival tissues [16,31], the proportion of Prevotella intermedia (formerly Bacteroides intermedius) in subgingival plaque samples [12,22], immunosuppression [17,24,26], and the proportions of Streptococcus mutans [15]. To assess the possible influences of the physiological variations associated with the periods of pregnancy and lactation on the oral biota, we followed the distribution of the resident oral bacteria in our mouse model.…”

Effect of &lt;i&gt;Morinda citrifolia&lt;/i&gt; L. fruit juice on gingivitis/periodontitis

“…Hormone dependent contributing factors of gingivitis are puberty, pregnancy, diabetes or the menstrual cycle [1]. Nonspecific bacterial mass in supragingival plaque is known to induce gingival inflammation [2]. Plaque-induced diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are linked to fluctuations in the oral environment which lead to a change in the microbial composition.…”

Harmonious functional and aesthetic correction of severe localised pregnancy-induced gingival enlargement associated with capillary haemangioma

“…An increase in the proportion of Prevotella intermedia in bacterial plaque, rather than an increase in total plaque, is instrumental in the development of gingival inflammation during pregnancy 12. Increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone during pregnancy also stimulate increased gingival vascular permeability and oedema, respectively 13. Gingival inflammation usually decreases in the final month of pregnancy.…”