The squirrel monkey as a model in gingivitis studies.

The article offers information on a dental research conducted in order to determine the natural occurrence of gingivitis in squirrel monkeys. Twelve middle-aged adult male squirrel monkeys were obtained for the research. The monkeys had been sedated with an intramuscular (IM) injection. On the 14th day, a new dietary regimen was begun for the animals. One of the groups continued on a diet of monkey chow pellets, whereas the other group received a soft diet in the form of cakes. Initial examination showed that all buccal surfaces anterior to the second premolars exhibited gingivitis. On the other hand, no sign of gingivitis was discovered in buccal surfaces distal to the maxillary second premolar or mandibular first premolar.