A Simple Guide to Gingivitis

A Simple Guide to Gingivitis
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What is Gingivitis?
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Gingivitis is an acute disease which causes inflammation and infection of the gums with redness, swelling and bleeding.


What are the causes of Gingivitis?
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Bacterial Infections:
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1.Gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphphylococcus may be painful and lead to upper respiratory tract infection

2.Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella, E.coli, Pseudomonas, Mycobacteria(including tuberculosis), Legionaire's Disease,chlamydia

Non-infectious:
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1.malocclusion

2.food impaction

3.dental calculus

4.dental procedures

5.exposure to heavy metals

6.long term phenytoin treatment

7.Oral contraceptive pills

Systemic diseases:
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1.diabetes mellitus

2.leukemia

3.Debilitating diseases

4.autoimmune diseases


What are Signs and symptoms of Gingivitis?
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Symptoms:

1.Pain in the gums

2.Red swollen inflamed gums

3.bleeding in between the gums

4.Fever may be present

Signs:

1.Red swollen inflamed gums around neck of teeth

2.Swelling of papilla between teeth

3.Gum boils or abscess in the gums

4.Gum ulcers


How is the diagnosis of Gingivitis made?
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1.Symptoms and signs of red, swollen and inflamed gums

2.blood tests (complete blood count, ESR and blood culture)

3.X-rays of teeth


What are the complications of Gingivitis?
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1.damage to root canals

2.cavity in the teeth

3.upper respiratory tract infection


What is the treatment of Gingivitis?
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1.Rest & fluids

2.Painkiller for pain

3.Antibiotics depending on the organism found:

a.cephalosporin, penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, for most streptococci, staphalococci, hemophilus

b.cephalosporins, gentamycin for pseudomonas

4.Oral application of oral antibiotic cream

What is the prognosis of Gingivitis ?
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Usually very good.

Surgery for abscess and other gum or tooth problem very rarely needed.


What are the Preventive measures taken for Gingivitis ?
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1.Avoid smoking

2.Healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and exercise.

3.Regular cleaning of gums and teeth by brushing and flossing

4.Gargling of mouth after meals

5.Regular dental checkups