Treatment of gingivitis
Treatment of gingivitis
First let’s look at the basics about gingivitis and then with questions and answers we will try to solve as many questions as we can.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is one of the mildest gum diseases . It is an inflammation of the scars which, if not treated, can develop into periodontitis .
I spit up blood when I brush my teeth, do I have gingivitis?
Probably yes but a clinical examination must be done before I can answer for sure because it could just be too much pressure on the toothbrush while brushing and injure them causing them to bleed. Also, an old and damaged toothbrush injures the gums causing them to bleed.
What are the symptoms and signs to watch for?
Characteristic symptoms of gingivitis are red and swollen gums which bleed very easily and bad breath . Gingivitis rarely causes pain, perhaps some slight tingling in the gums . In case of pain the etiology is usually different and you should visit your dentist for an evaluation.
What are the causes of gingivitis and how do we treat it?
Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene . It is worth noting that it is a reversible condition (unlike periodontitis ) and the way to treat it is with regular scaling ( teeth cleaning ) and high quality oral hygiene.
Factors that may contribute to the development of gingivitis are diabetes , smoking, genetic predisposition, poor diet, stress, hormonal disorders, pregnancy , certain medications and various others.
Treatment of gingivitis & Methods of treatment at the dental office
The treatment of gingivitis essentially includes 2 cleanings within a period of 15 days during which the patient follows the oral hygiene instructions received from the dentist during the first cleaning and possibly also uses a special medicated-antiseptic mouthwash and/or a special toothpaste which is prescribed to him at the end of the treatment. During the second cleaning, the situation is re-evaluated and depending on the findings, the next cleaning is planned (in approximately 4 months). Medication with the administration of drugs, antibiotics or even vitamin supplements (with vitamin C as the main ingredient) should ONLY be given after consultation with your dentist, after he has recorded your entire medical history and consulted with treating physicians of other specialties who potential are watching you.
Does gingivitis treatment hurt?
All treatments can be completely painless with the use of the necessary anesthesia. Generally speaking, however, gingivitis treatment is not painful.
Is gingivitis contagious, contagious?
No!
Are there home remedies for gingivitis?
Lemon and chamomile are home remedies that can work occasionally and by no means cure gingivitis. Remember that gingivitis is curable, periodontitis – a progression of gingivitis – is not, so when you have symptoms mentioned above, visit your dentist, the treatment is painless and the cost is low compared to what may follow if neglect it.
Can Pregnancy Give Me Gingivitis?
During pregnancy, hormones and the body receive a severe shock. Gingivitis can also be a result of these changes. In case you are pregnant, discuss it with your dentist and he/she will advise you in consultation with your gynecologist what exactly you should do.
Can gingivitis occur in children?
Unfortunately, once teething is complete, even if it consists of new teeth, gingivitis can occur. More and more often we see such incidents and it is very sad. Parents should be more proactive about these matters and stricter against such negligent children.
Should I take antibiotics to treat gingivitis?
Antibiotics are only necessary to treat an extreme condition called ulcerative gingivitis, which is quite rare. In the treatment of common gingivitis, it is not considered necessary to take an antibiotic.
Are there antibiotics that cause gingivitis as a side effect?
Gingival hypertrophy has been associated with various antihypertensive drugs, the so-called calcium blockers. Also, gingival hypertrophy occurs in 25% of patients receiving cyclosporine and 50% in those receiving phenytoin. The swelling of the gums caused by the above preparations is clearly more intense when the oral hygiene of the patient is poor.
I use homeopathic medicines, is there a treatment method for me at your dental office?
Of course. The use of ultrasound to remove plaque is not opposed to homeopathy. Also, in several pharmacies there are preparations which are also suitable for patients who practice homeopathy. The only thing you should not miss is to inform us in time about the fact that you are doing homeopathic treatment!
Caution: DO NOT use medicines WITHOUT the advice of doctors and dentists. The information on this website is NOT a substitute for the advice of your attending physician and dentist resulting from an in-office clinical examination.
Are there toothpastes specifically for fighting gingivitis?
Of course, there are toothpastes and mouthwashes to fight gingivitis. They are preparations with a special antiseptic agent and are sold exclusively in pharmacies.
I have read that vitamin supplements help with gingivitis, is that true?
It is a fact that the lack of vitamin C causes gingivitis so this is how we can relate vitamin C to gingivitis. Vitamin C is vital for maintaining collagen. Research has shown that the administration of vitamin C in the treatment of gingivitis is particularly helpful.
Is gingivitis linked to menopause?
There is no scientifically proven connection between menopause and gingivitis. Of course there is a connection between menopause and periodontitis. Because menopause is accompanied by hormone disruption, something similar to what happens in pregnancy can happen.
I have sores on my gums that won't close, is it dangerous? What to do?
Visit your dentist immediately.
What is ulcerative gingivitis? What are the symptoms and what is the treatment?
It is an inflammatory disease that affects the free gums and causes ulcers and eventually necrosis and destruction of the interdental papillae. During the acute phase (which lasts about ten days) lymphadenitis, strong bad breath, fever and malaise can be observed. The disease is due to the existence of specific microbes in the oral cavity, however there are other factors that contribute to its appearance such as stress, problems with the patient’s physical condition, smoking and general illnesses. Particular attention has been paid in recent years to the association of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis with AIDS. The acute manifestation of the disease is in absolute correlation with the existence of chronic gingivitis due to the accumulation of plaque.
Treatment during the acute phase includes administration of antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash. If it is tolerated by the patient, surface cleaning is also performed. After 2-3 days, the teeth are normally cleaned and the patient starts oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush.
How much does gingivitis treatment cost? Is the price the same in each case?
The price, as in most dental treatments, is not fixed and this is because every case is different, but to have a price range, the treatment of gingivitis in our office starts from €80.