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Gingivitis

Description

‘Gingivitis’ is the name given to the commonest form of gum disease, in which the gums get sore, red and bleed on brushing.

It is a reversible condition, and with the maintenance of good oral hygiene with brushing and floss it helps to restore healthy gums.

If left untreated, gingivitis leads to bigger problems of gums like periodontitis i.e. tooth supporting bone gets affected and eventually, there is a chance of tooth loss.

Causes
  • The primary cause is poor oral hygiene, poor brushing technique, and no flossing.
  • The bacteria and food particles get stuck around the teeth in the form of plaque, irritating the gum tissue, and causing swelling, redness, and bleeding of gums.
  • During Pregnancy hormonal changes might trigger gum bleeding and swelling.
  • Drugs like phenytoin and anti-hypertensive medicines can cause bleeding and swollen gums.
  • Dental appliances like dentures and braces can also promote plaque deposits, due to insufficient access to full tooth surface for cleaning.
  • When the gums swell, there appear pocket-like spaces within, which further accumulate debris and worsens the situation.
Risk factors
  • Dry mouth. In Sjogren’s syndrome (disease-causing less saliva production).
  • Malnutrition.
  • Bacterial or fungal infections of the mouth.
  • Effect of some systemic diseases e.g. Diabetes.
  • Mouth breathing during sleep, due to asthma – mouth stays dry, less washing out of debris from tooth surfaces and more plaque deposits.
  • Old age.
  • Fear of dental checkups and dental procedures.
  • Trauma or injury to the gums by over-Brushing with hard bristle toothbrush.
  • Cigarette smoking.
Symptoms
  • Swollen gums with red color.
  • The more aggressive form of gingivitis gives purple color to gums.
  • Bleeding on brushing. Could be just a red streak or a lot of red.
  • Bad breath.
  • If gums bleed even when you aren’t brushing, the taste of mouth is also altered.
  • Pain on eating spicy or hot food.
  • Sore and tender to touch.
Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gingivitis is done by a Dentist.

A complete dental check-up with a thorough examination of gums, by taking radiographs, by probing the depth of spaces (pockets) inside swollen gums,  by checking the amount of plaque and hardened deposits called ‘tartar or calculus’ on tooth surfaces.

A complete medical and dental history is taken to rule out any systemic conditions, use of certain medication, or personal habits that might be the cause of gingivitis.

Management
  • The foremost and simplest treatment option is taking good care of your teeth and gums by proper brushing TWICE a day, visiting your dentist regularly and getting scaling done at least once every year.
  • Soft-bristle toothbrush and interdental toothbrush for safe and enhanced cleaning.
  • Don’t like manual toothbrushes? Go for a motorized one for better and easier cleaning!
  • Ask your dentist to guide you by showing the proper brushing technique to help with better brushing.
  • Mouthwashes (with chlorhexidine and peroxide) to be used regularly, after every meal, to flush out any food particles stuck on tooth surfaces.
  • Select a ‘minty’ toothpaste and mouthwash flavor for a fresher breath.
  • Antibacterial mouthwashes will treat bacterial infections causing gingivitis.
  • Sore gums can do better by applying a topical anesthetic gel.
  • Flossing should be practiced religiously!
When to consult a doctor?

If the swollen and bleeding condition of gums does not get better by simple brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash, then you must visit a Dentist for proper scaling and cleaning.

 If the teeth start getting loose, the gingivitis is progressing towards periodontal disease, and this requires proper treatment by a Dentist.

Available Medicine for Gingivitis

Bonjela Gel (10gm) 8.7%/0.01%

Rs.42.74

Reckitt

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