The effect of a systemically-administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (flurbiprofen) on experimental gingivitis in humans

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the acute inflammatory reaction and alveolar bone loss of experimental periodontitis in dogs by mechanism thought to be associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. 25 healthy volunteers abstained from tooth cleaning for 21 days. Experimental gingivitis developed in all subjects. On day 21, the subjects were divided into 3 treatment groups: oral flurbiprofen (100 mg/day)/toothbrushing (A), placebo+toothbrushing (B) and oral flurbiprofen (100 mg/day) only (C). Treatment continued for 6 days. Plaque indices (PI), gingival indices (GI) and probing pocket depths (PPD) were recorded at 6 points on each of 6 maxillary teeth on days 1. 22, 23, 24 and 27. Crevicular fluid flow (CFF) was quantified with a Periotron on days 1, 22 and 27 in groups A and B, and on days 1 and 27 in group C. There were no changes in PPD throughout the study. A reduction of GI occurred between days 22 and 27 for all treatment groups. CFF was also reduced between days 22 and 27 in groups A and B. The differences between the 3 treatments were very small. It is concluded that systemic flurbiprofen (100 mg/day) can reduce the signs of an experimental gingivitis over 6 days. This effect may be seen when the drug is used alone and as an adjunct to toothbrushing.