Lymphoproliferative response during resolution and recurrence of naturally occurring gingivitis.

The lymphocyte blastogenic response in humans to oral bacterial antigens was investigated during resolution and recurrence of naturally occurring gingivitis. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. Actinomyces and Fusobacterium and the host responses they evoke, are associated with gingival inflammation. 2. The magnitude of the blastogenic response to these antigens is directly related to the severity of gingival inflammation. 3. Scaling may cause a transient rise in the blastogenic response. 4. Conservative therapy not only improves the clinical state of gingival health, but also interrupts a possible pathogenic mechanism of periodontal disease.