The division was made into 2 groups: Patients with breast cancer and gingivitis (BC/G) (n=20); and control patients with gingivitis only (G) (n=20).

Clinical periodontal examinations were carried out by a single trained and calibrated examiner. Clinical periodontal, hematological and salivary flow parameters were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 and 24 weeks.

All patients received oral hygiene instructions (interproximal cleaning with floss and interdental brushes, brushing instructions on the Bass technique). The patients were also encouraged to brush the back of the tongue once a day. Subsequently, all patients underwent supragingival scaling, prophylaxis, and polishing. Supragingival scaling was performed using manual instruments (Gracey curettes) and an ultrasonic device.

The plaque index (PI) was determined by analyzing the presence or absence of biofilm on the gingival margin, expressed as a percentage of surfaces with biofilm Bleeding on probing (BOP) was determined by detecting the presence or absence of bleeding, expressed as the percentage of bleeding surfaces.

The probing depth (PD/mm) was expressed in millimeters, measured from the gingival margin to the bottom of the gingival sulcus.

The clinical attachment level (CAL/mm) was expressed in millimeters, measured from the cementoenamel junction to the most apical portion of the gingival sulcus.

Both BOP, PD, CAL were evaluated at six locations per tooth, i.e., three on the buccal surface and three on the lingual or palatal surface.

Periodontal parameters (BOP, PD, CAL and PI ) are evaluated together or combined to perform periodontal diagnosis

The salivary flow rate was expressed in milliliters per minute (mL/min). Periodontal parameters and salivary flow will be combined to assess oral health.