An Ayurveda Therapeutic Approach to the Management of Shitada (Gingivitis): A Case Report

Background: Shitada is described among the diseases of Dantamoola and is characterized by clinical features such as gingival bleeding, altered gingival consistency, halitosis and other inflammatory changes. Its clinical presentation shows considerable correspondence with gingivitis, particularly when bleeding, edema, sponginess and redness of the gingiva are present. Case presentation: A 42 years old female Patient presented with bleeding from the gums during brushing, gingival swelling and foul smell from the mouth for 3 months. There was no history of systemic illness, previous surgery, tobacco, alcohol or other addiction. Oral examination revealed average oral hygiene, soft and spongy gingiva with a smooth, glazing-red surface, edema, grade 3 gingival hypertrophy, grade 3 halitosis and positive bleeding on probing. Intervention: The patient was advised Pratisarana with Kushtadi Churna mixed with honey twice daily and Triphala Churna 5 g HS with lukewarm water. The patient was reviewed at weekly intervals. Outcome: Subjective improvement was approximately 30% on day 7, 70% on day 14 and 95% on day 21. Gingival hypertrophy and halitosis progressively reduced from grade 3 to grade 2, then grade 1, and finally became absent. Bleeding on probing became negative by the third visit. At the fourth visit, the gingiva was clinically healthy, soft and pinkish, with no edema, halitosis or hypertrophy. Conclusion: The observed clinical improvement suggests that the selected Ayurveda oral-care regimen may have a beneficial role in the management of a clinical presentation corresponding to Shitada/gingivitis.