Patient with Chronic Gingivitis & Oral Candida
By: Kathleen Nichols, DDS, FAGD
August 13, 2018
The Challenge:
Patients presented with chronic gingivitis and oral Candida symptoms.
The Background:
- Age: 64
- Sex: F
- Medical History: Arthritis, history of vaginal yeast infections, heart disease, osteoporosis
- Chief Complaint: Thrush-like infection in mouth, throat and lips
- Other Notes: Patient has been experience episodes of loss of balance resulting in several falls. Patient takes a GI pro-biotic.
- Clinical Assessment: Generalized white patches
- Periodontal Assessment: Generalized recession, 1-5 mm pocket. Re-care frequency increased to every 3 months.
Additional Comments: Physician referred patient to an ENT for “thrush like” infection.
The Solution:
- Date of Pre MyPerioPath® (pre-therapy test) & OraRisk® Candida: 2/15/2018
- Periodontal therapy: Prophylaxis 12/20/2017
- Systemic Antibiotic Used: Amoxicillin and Metronidozale based on results, Mycelex Troche for 10 days
- Home Care: The home care instructions included daily flossing, a pre-rinse with CloSYS™, brushing for two full minutes with a basic toothpaste, then followed by ACT® anti-cavity fluoride mouthwash. Exposure to xylitol 6-10 grams per day was also recommended.
- Date of MyPerioProgress® (post-therapy test) & 2nd OraRisk® Candida: 5/24/18
The Result:
The chronic gingivitis resolved resulting in healthy tissue. The white patches also resolved and is confirmed with the post results. The patient is extremely happy. Following therapy, the patient fractured her hip and there is concern the patient may have to postpone continued therapy, resulting in relapse. If this occurs, we will be ready.
About the Author:
Kathleen Nichols, DDS, has practiced in Lubbock, TX for 30 years. After graduating from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1986, she relocated as soon as she could and is a "Texan by Choice"! Dr. Nichols has received numerous fellowships including the prestigious American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Nichols has served in many capacities such as Board of Directors of the Texas Dental Association., Delegate to the Texas Dental Association from the South Plains District, Chairman of the Texas Dental Association Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs and as a member of the Texas Dental Association Council on Dental Care Programs. Dr. Nichols is a Dental Board examiner with the Western Regional Examining Board.
Her local presence is observed by serving as the President of the South Plains District Dental Society and is a current Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She has also served as the United Way chairman of the Dental Division, and on the Executive board of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Nichols is a graduate of the Leadership Lubbock program, as well as the Leadership Texas program. Dr. Nichols was honored as "2005 Woman Entrepreneur of Lubbock". Currently, Dr. Nichols is on the Board of Directors of Parenting Cottage.
Her memberships include Texas Dental Association, South Plains District Dental Society, Texas Association of Women Dentists, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, and Texas Tech Red Raider Club. In 2014 Dr. Nichols was voted “Best of Lubbock” by the Lubbock Avalanche Journal.
Dr. Nichols and her husband have 4 children and 3 precious grandsons.