Changes in salivary peroxidase activity observed during experimentally-induced gingivitis.

Gingivitis was experimentally induced in 8 human subjects using an acrylic overlay to cover the teeth in the experimental area during any oral hygiene procedures. The overlays were used for a period of 3 weeks, after which the subjects received a scale and polish and then practised normal oral hygiene. At regular intervals during the experimental period, mixed saliva was collected for assay of peroxidase activity by spectrophotometric and test-strip procedures and plaque and gingival indices were assessed clinically. A considerable increase in peroxidase activity was observed during the experimental period, which declined after normal hygiene was resumed. This procedure may allow assessment of the progression of gingivitis under experimental conditions.