Therapy of a patient with Acute Streptococcal Gingivitis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Acute streptococcal gingivitis is an acute infection of the oral mucosa. Specific bacterial infections such as to Neisseria gonorrhea, Treponema pallidum, Streptococcal species, and others are very important, but little attention is given to these diseases because they are rarely seen. The purpose of this study was to report the case of an acute streptococcal gingivitis in a patient and to describe the successful treatment of this case. The patient was a 20-year old female who presented herself to the Atatürk University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, with the complaints of pain, refractory gingival reddish, severe bleeding gums on the upper and lower anterior region, and halitosis. The diagnosis of acute streptococcal gingivitis suggested clinical and radiographically was confirmed by the culture technique of the gingival samples. The treatment plan included oral hygiene instruction, non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planning and dental polishing) and antimicrobial therapy. Healing was uneventful after 14 days at the recall visit. There was no sign of gingival bleeding and reddish. Acute streptococcal infection was responsive to non-surgical periodontal treatment plus systemic antibiotic. The treatment of acute streptococcal gingivitis is of importance because of the possibility of serious complications, which can endanger the systemic health of the patient.