Preface

Gingiva, which is the most important and delicate tissue in the periodontium with its unique texture and color, not only reflects the level of a person's oral hygiene but also their general health status. Furthermore, research has shown that the success and longevity of most dental treatments are highly affected by the status of the gingiva. This book explains the etiology of gingival diseases as well as options for their treatment and prevention. It provides the dental practitioner with precise information in order to treat gingival diseases more efficiently and manage difficult cases related to systemic diseases.

Chapter 1 provides an introduction and discusses the correlation between gingival and systemic diseases through an academic and professional lens. Recently it has been shown that gingival inflammation can be induced by many systemic disturbances affecting the host immune system, such as diabetes mellitus and obesity. Chapter 2 discusses the interrelationship between pregnancy and gingival diseases. Pregnancy, which is a delicate and important stage in a person's life, will be highly affected by any systemic disturbances or inflammation. Chapter 3 explores the correlation between gingival pathogens and the immune system, as plaque-induced gingival disease is a chronic inflammatory process that causes elevation in the levels of serum inflammatory mediators and subsequently affects the endothelial tissues. In addition, the immune-inflammatory response toward periodontitis may initiate or accelerate many systemic diseases. The chapter uses the example of a dust mite allergy to examine dental patients with an allergic history and explain how chronic exposure to allergens at home or the workplace affects the immune system. Chapter 4 discusses in detail macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), which is one of the most important and understudied cytokines mediated in the immune response in case of gingivitis or periodontitis. Chapter 5 discusses and demonstrates mucous membrane pemphigoid, which is the most frequent autoimmune bullous disease in the oral cavity. The chapter provides information concerning gingival and oral manifestations, and how to save the patient from any serious complications. Chapter 6 presents a full discussion and comparison of the different interdental cleaning methods currently available, as the interdental space is the most susceptible area for the development of gingivitis or periodontitis. Chapter 7 provides information on accurate diagnosis, causative factors, and different treatment options for gingival overgrowth, one of the most recurrent and challenging oral diseases. Chapter 8 discusses herbal medicines that have recently been used to enhance the treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis, particularly antioxidants, and their effectiveness, classifications, and usages.

In conclusion, gingival diseases interact with many systemic disturbances and can adversely affect a person's quality of life. An accurate diagnosis with successful treatment and prevention will mitigate many negative consequences and improve

**II**

**Section 3**

**Section 4**

*by Shruti Bhatnagar*

Pinpoint the Gingival Prevention **73**

**Chapter 6 75**

Professional and Adjunctive Gingival Therapy **87**

**Chapter 7 89**

**Chapter 8 111**

Role of the Mechanical Interdental Plaque Control in the Management of

Periodontal Health: How Many Options Do We Have? *by Bahar Eren Kuru, Gizem Ince Kuka and Ogul Leman Tunar*

Treatment of Gingival Enlargement

Antioxidants and Periodontal Diseases *by Ahmet Cemil Talmaç and Metin Çalişir* the outcome of dental treatment. This book will help both the dentist and the patient to be more satisfied with dental and gingival therapy.

> **Alaa Eddin Omar Al Ostwani** IUST University in Damascus, Syria

> > **1**

Section 1

The Importance of

Gingival Treatment and

Prevention

Section 1
