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Periodontal Pathosis in Man: IX. Effect of Combined Versus Animal Protein Supplementation Upon Gingival State
Published in Journal of Dental Medicine, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 82-85, April 1964.
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Introduction
In an earlier report1 it was shown that a significant reduction in gingivitis followed the administration of a protein supplement for four days. This report is designed to confirm the original observations. In addition, it will compare, upon gingival state, the relative effects of a combination of incomplete proteins furnishing together all essential amino acids versus a complete animal protein supplement.
Methods and Results
Eighty junior dental students participated in this experiment. Gingivitis, graded on a four point system (Table 1) was determined for the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth and a mean gingivitis score derived. On a random basis, one-half of the first group of 44 students (22 in number) was given 40 grams per day of the combined protein supplement1 (Table 2). The other half of the group (22 students) received 40 grams daily of an indistinguishable placebo (methylcellulose). Both preparations were in tablet form. In Group II, consisting of 36 students, one-half of the group on a random basis (18 in number) was given 40 grams per day of complete animal protein, as cookies, derived from tripe flour. The other 18 students received a relatively indistinguishable routine sugar cookie supplement. The mean gingivitis score was redetermined four days later by the same examiner with no knowledge of the previous gingival values or the type of supplementation.
Table 1–Gingivitis Evaluation
Table 2–Composition of Protein Tablets
Table 3 shows the distribution of gingival scores at the start of the experiment. It will be noted that only 28.5 per cent of the examined area could be rated as zero. Also, mention should be made that the majority of the scores (67.2 per cent) suggested slight hyperemia in asymptomatic patients.
Table 3–Distribution of Gingival Scores at the Initial Visit
Table 4 shows that 87 per cent of the combined and 89 per cent of the tripe protein-treated groups showed a reduction in gingivitis while only 9 and 17 per cent of the control groups, respectively, demonstrated a gingivitis decrease.
Table 4–Gingival Change
Table 5 provides the original data and Table 6 summarizes the means scores for all the subjects. It will be noted that a significant reduction in gingivitis occurred only in the protein treated groups. Specifically, the decrease was 34 per cent with the combined supplement and 31 per cent with the tripe protein. Also, mention should be made of the insignificant changes in both of the placebo groups.
Table 5–Effect of Four-Day Combined Versus Tripe Protein Supplementation Upon Gingival State
Table 6–Effect of Four-Day Combined Versus Tripe Protein Versus Placebo Supplementation Upon Mean Gingival Scores
Discussion
The evidence presented here appears to indicate that protein supplementation, in the amount given and for the period administered, exerts a beneficial effect upon gingiva by virtue of a reduction in gingival score. The findings are even more interesting in view of the fact that the two protein studies (tripe versus combined) were conducted at different times upon different subjects. Finally, it is of note that the gingival changes in the two protein groups are very similar.
Summary
A study of protein versus placebo supplementation for four days in 80 dental students resulted in a significant reduction in gingivitis only in the protein-treated groups.
References Cited:
- Ringsdorf, W. M., Jr. and Cheraskin, E. “Periodontal pathosis in man: IV. Effect of protein versus placebo supplementation upon gingivitis.” Jour. Dent. Med. 18: #2, 92-94, April 1963.