The effect of oral contraceptives on gingivitis in female patients who attended the dental clinic of Dr. René Puig Bentz at the National Pedro Henríquez Ureña University

This study aimed to determine if oral contraceptives (OCs) modify the risk of gingivitis in female patients at the Dr. René Puig Bentz dental clinic. OCs contain estrogen and progesterone, which are hormones that can influence the inflammatory response in the gums due to the presence of specific receptors. This response can lead to clinical signs such as redness, swelling, and bleeding in the presence of dental biofilm. This observational, descriptive, comparative, and cross-sectional study included 60 patients, who were divided into two groups: 30 OC users and 30 non-users. Periodontal indicators, such as gingival redness, plaque index, bleeding, and inflammation, were evaluated. The results showed that gingival redness was more prevalent among AO users, demonstrating a statistically significant difference. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of the plaque index, gingival inflammation, or bleeding. None of the patients who used oral contraceptives had gingivitis. The only two cases identified occurred in the non-user group. No relationship was found between the hormonal composition, concentration, or duration of OC use and the presence of gingivitis. Therefore, while oral contraceptives influence certain clinical signs, such as gingival redness, there is no evidence that they are a determining factor in the development of gingivitis. These findings underscore the importance of plaque control as the primary predisposing factor over hormonal effects.