The effects of topical steroidal and systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on experimental gingivitis in man

Retrospective studies in man and prospective studies in animals have indicated that systemically administered anti-inflammatory drugs may decrease plaque-induced inflammation and loss of attachment. The purpose of the present double blind study was to determine the effects of a systemically administered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a topically applied steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on experimentally produced gingivitis. Eighteen dental students were brought to a state of optimal gingival health and then divided into three groups. One group received placebo gel to apply topically and placebo capsules. A second group received placebo gel and capsules containing sulindac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The third group received a topical steroidal gel and placebo capsules. All subjects refrained from home care for 22 days in the maxillary right quadrant. Results of the study indicate that the topical steroidal drug significantly inhibited gingival inflammation while the systemically administered nonsteroidal drug had no apparent effect.