What should I do about recurrent gingivitis?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Gingivitis is caused by not cleaning the mouth promptly after eating, with the presence of irritating factors around the teeth causing repeated outbreaks. For example, bleeding during brushing or eating. This situation requires teeth cleaning, which includes ultrasonic scaling to remove dental calculus and other basic causative factors. Only by removing the irritating factors and treating the cause, applying medicine around the gums and improving the bleeding condition, can the symptoms of gingivitis improve. If oral hygiene is not maintained after removal, over time, dental calculus or dental plaque can reattach around the teeth, leading to a recurrence of gingivitis.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can hydrogen peroxide be used as a mouthwash for gingivitis?

Gingivitis can be treated with hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, as hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid with an irritating odor, and medically, it is commonly used for disinfecting wounds and otitis media. When the skin is infected or there are wounds and pus or contamination in the oral mucosa, 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used for disinfection, as it can destroy the bodies of bacteria and kill them. During oral treatment, such as some root canal treatments, hydrogen peroxide can be used for rinsing because most oral infections originate from anaerobic bacteria, and hydrogen peroxide has a strong bactericidal effect. However, as hydrogen peroxide is a topical medication, care should be taken not to swallow it while using it for mouthwash.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can I eat mutton with gingivitis?

When patients have gingivitis, it is generally advised not to eat lamb. Because lamb is considered a heat-inducing food, and the inflammation in the patient's body is often caused by excessive internal heat. Eating lamb in such cases could potentially exacerbate the condition, making the symptoms more severe. It is suggested that patients can eat some chicken, duck, or fish instead, as these high-quality protein sources are good choices for the body. Additionally, it is important to keep the diet light and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Try to avoid foods that can cause internal heat, such as lychee or durian, which are considered heat-inducing fruits. It's appropriate to consume some kiwi and dragon fruit, which can provide a substantial amount of vitamins and also help in the repair of teeth.

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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How to treat severe gingivitis?

Gingivitis is relatively common in daily life, mainly due to poor oral hygiene, dental calculus, plaque, food residues, and soft tartar, which irritate the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If severe, it can lead to gum recession, absorption of the alveolar bone, and loosening or loss of teeth. For severe gingivitis, initial treatment involves supragingival cleaning followed by subgingival scaling and root planing. If individual teeth continue to experience recurring swelling and pain after scaling, surgical treatment such as gingival flap surgery may be performed. This involves cutting open the gums to thoroughly remove calculus, plaque, food residues, and soft tartar, which can subsequently improve tooth mobility. In cases where teeth cannot be preserved and need to be extracted, severe gingivitis can also lead to the formation of gum abscesses. In such cases, oral cephalexin can be taken, and using a compound chlorhexidine mouthwash can help alleviate the condition and reduce pain.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Should gingivitis be treated with hot compresses or cold compresses?

When patients experience gingivitis, this condition is generally related to inflammation within the body, a prolonged habit of poor diet leading to decreased immune function, resulting in inflammation of the gums. When gingivitis occurs, since it involves inflammation, it is generally recommended to apply cold compresses to relieve the pain somewhat; one should definitely not apply hot compresses as they might increase the local inflammation. It is advised that patients undergo appropriate medical treatment. They can take some anti-inflammatory drugs orally, such as Metronidazole or Tinidazole, or a combination with antibiotic anti-inflammatory drugs. If the pain is severe, one can also use antipyretic analgesics to alleviate local tooth pain. Most importantly, patients should develop good dietary and lifestyle habits.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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What will happen if gingivitis is not treated?

When a patient has gingivitis, if they cannot receive timely treatment, they may experience long-term inflammation that irritates the gum tissue, leading to nutrient loss in the gums and eventual gum recession. Further progression can lead to loose teeth, and ultimately, tooth loss. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with gingivitis to seek prompt treatment. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene, as long-term poor oral hygiene is a major cause of gingivitis. It is important to promptly remove food residues after meals to prevent bacterial infections. Furthermore, developing correct brushing habits in the morning and evening is recommended, and patients should consider regular dental cleanings, which can effectively remove tartar and plaque, reducing irritation to the gums.