Abstract:

Background: Adolescence is a critical transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, during which individuals frequently seek greater independence in their dietary and oral hygiene practices.
Case Description: The subject of this case is a 13-year-old male. Notably, extensive accumulation of plaque and tartar has resulted in generalized gingival inflammation. The patient’s growth is within normal limits, evidenced by a HAZ score 1. Additionally, he is classified as overweight with a BMIZ-score of 1.08, indicating a risk of obesity, as reflected by a BMIZ-score percentiles of 86%. A thorough analysis of a three-day dietary log reveals a DQI-A score of 34%. Intraoral examination identifies two active carious lesions on teeth 16 (ICDAS code 04) and 26 (ICDAS code 05), with findings corroborated by spectroscopy using a Caries Scan Pro device. The recorded data concerning plaque accumulation includes an OHI-S with a debris index (DI-S) of 2.33 and a calculus index (CI) of 1.5; PCR at 100%; and PFS at 0%. Concerning gingival inflammation, the PBI is recorded at 3, and the GI measures 1.79. Supragingival scaling to remove plaque and tartar was executed successfully, and polishing was done utilizing Air Flow technology. Following this, an educational and motivational session emphasizing oral hygiene was conducted. The patient received a tailored preventive program aimed at reducing plaque accumulation, enhancing oral hygiene practices, and modifying dietary habits through regulating carbohydrate intake.
Conclusion: Compromised nutritional status correlates with heightened plaque accumulation, thus elevating the risk of caries development and gingival inflammation.
Keywords: gingivitis, adolescents, caries, overweight