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Understanding Gingivitis: Causes & Treatment

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by plaque that leads to red, swollen gums that bleed easily. It is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene. Chronic gingivitis causes slight bleeding and swelling and can be reversed with improved brushing and flossing. Risk factors include conditions like diabetes or medications that cause dry mouth as well as poor oral habits like smoking. Treatment involves scaling to remove plaque and tartar, using anti-bacterial mouthwashes, and sometimes medications.

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Ayesha Awan
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239 views5 pages

Understanding Gingivitis: Causes & Treatment

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by plaque that leads to red, swollen gums that bleed easily. It is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene. Chronic gingivitis causes slight bleeding and swelling and can be reversed with improved brushing and flossing. Risk factors include conditions like diabetes or medications that cause dry mouth as well as poor oral habits like smoking. Treatment involves scaling to remove plaque and tartar, using anti-bacterial mouthwashes, and sometimes medications.

Uploaded by

Ayesha Awan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

GINGIVITIS

What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a common and mild form
of gum disease (periodontal disease)
that causes irritation, redness and
swelling (inflammation) of the gums.

TYPES
Chronic Gingivitis
Common
inadequate oral hygiene.
person is unaware that they have chronic
gingivitis and do not seek medical treatment until
the symptoms become pronounced.
Slight bleeding and mild swelling of the gums are
the first signs and symptoms.
If attended to in the early stages, gingivitis may be
totally reversible with simple measures such as
brushing, flossing and cleaning.

ETHIOLOGY
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral
hygiene that encourages plaque to form.
Plaque is an invisible, sticky film composed mainly
of bacteria
Plaque that stays on your teeth longer than two or
three days can harden under your gum line into
tartar (calculus).
The longer that plaque and tartar remain on your
teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva. In time,
your gums become swollen and bleed easily. Tooth
decay (dental caries) also may result.

RISK FACTORS
Factors that can increase your risk of gingivitis
include:
Poor oral health habits
Tobacco use
Diabetes
Older age
Decreased immunity as a result of leukemia,
HIV/AIDS or other conditions
Certain medications
Certain viral and fungal infections
Dry mouth
Hormonal changes
Poor nutrition
Substance abuse
Ill-fitting dental restorations

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Gums that are red, tender and swollen


Gums that bleed when you brush or
floss your teeth
Gums that have pulled away from the
teeth
loose teeth
A change in how your teeth fit together
when you bite
Pain when chewing
Sensitive teeth
Partial dentures that no longer fit
Foul-smelling breath that does not go
away after you brush your teeth

TREATMENT
1.
2.

Scaling
Anti-biotic Mouthwash

3.

Medication

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