Effects of local application of ascorbic acid and glutathione by iontophoresis on gingival inflammation

Management of gingival inflammation is always a priority in dental practice, regardless the possible involvement of other periodontal tissues. Besides the use of systemic medical therapy, such as antibiotics, vitamins are also recommended as a complementary therapy. Nutritional vitamin intake has been proven effective on gingival inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of local application of glutathione and ascorbic acid by iontophoresis on gingival tissue inflammation. 60 patients with periodontal disease were divided into 2 groups: the control group was treated by conservative treatment of periodontal disease only, and the study group was treated by ascorbic and glutathione, applied with iontophoresis in 10 sessions, besides conservative treatment. Values for gingival inflammation and gingival bleeding on probing were noted. The obtained results showed significant differences for both gingival inflammation and gingival bleeding between the examined groups, with significant decrease in index values for gingival bleeding after 3 months in the study group.