title: Successful treatment of generalized refractory chronic periodontitis through discontinuation of waxed or coated dental floss use: A report of 4 cases.
abstract: Generalized refractory chronic periodontitis is a periodontal condition that is resistant to conventional therapy. Management of this condition often is frustrating to both the patient and the clinician.
  
  
  
  The authors present 4 cases of generalized refractory chronic periodontitis characterized by an inflammatory gingival response and progressive bone loss that did not respond to extensive periodontal treatments and regular periodontal care. Histologic examination of affected gingival tissue revealed an abundance of plasma cells, a feature seen in certain oral contact hypersensitivity reactions. The authors suspected that waxed or coated dental floss was the offending contactant, and its removal from the patients' oral hygiene regimens resulted in a dramatic improvement of the periodontal characteristics.
  
  
  
  In cases of periodontal disease as described in this report, dental practitioners should consider the possibility of a contact hypersensitivity reaction to waxed or coated dental floss, whereby the floss exacerbates the condition instead of assisting in its resolution.
authors.forename: Anastasia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kelekis-Cholakis
authors.forename: John B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: Lorraine
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pfeffer
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Millete
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010950:Plasma Cells; D014885:Waxes / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D014885:Waxes
keywords: Treatment; allergy; chronic periodontitis; contact hypersensitivity; dental floss; plasma cell