The difference between pericoronitis and gingivitis.

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Pericoronitis and gingivitis are common oral diseases. Pericoronitis refers to inflammation around the crown adjacent to a wisdom tooth, characterized by congestion, swelling, and pain in the periodontal tissues of the pericoronal flap, typically caused by food debris around the crown, leading to bacterial infection. This condition often occurs during the eruption of wisdom teeth, especially when the wisdom teeth are misaligned. Pericoronitis is also a manifestation of periodontitis, while gingivitis is caused by bacterial infection of the gingival tissues resulting in congestion and edema. If gingivitis progresses, it can also develop into periodontitis, leading to serious consequences such as loosening and loss of teeth.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Is amoxicillin effective for gingivitis?

Gingivitis is primarily caused by the presence of dental plaque on the gums, which is erosive due to the large amount of bacteria. Taking oral amoxicillin, an antimicrobial drug, does not show a very obvious effect. One reason is that the gum tissue is relatively tough, and the concentration of the drug in the gum tissue when administered systemically is not sufficient to provide the expected therapeutic effect. Another reason is that oral bacteria, mostly anaerobic bacteria, cause this condition, and general anti-inflammatory drugs do not work well. The best method to treat gingivitis is still dental cleaning, which can directly remove the bacteria on the gums, clearly affecting the treatment. Subgingival scaling is also effective, which can lead to better outcomes.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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What should I do if gingivitis causes facial swelling?

Some patients with severe gum swelling and pain may also experience inflammation and pain in nearby soft tissues, such as facial swelling and pain, which are also common. In such cases, patients can take some anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications for treatment, which can effectively relieve the symptoms of gum swelling and pain. If the gum swelling and pain are alleviated, the facial swelling will also subside, so it is recommended that patients treat it with medications in a timely manner. Additionally, it is essential for patients to maintain oral hygiene, develop correct brushing habits, have regular dental cleanings, pay attention to the method of brushing, and persist in brushing their teeth morning and night, spending three to five minutes each time. Furthermore, patients can appropriately supplement some nutrients to help boost their immunity.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can you drink alcohol with gingivitis?

When a patient has gingivitis, we generally advise against drinking alcohol. This is to prevent the aggravation of gingivitis when consuming alcohol, as it can exacerbate the condition. During gingivitis, the gums are in an inflamed state and are particularly sensitive to external irritants. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with gingivitis to maintain oral hygiene. In terms of diet, it is essential to eat light and avoid spicy, irritating foods as well as overly hard or hot foods. It is important to adopt the correct way of brushing teeth daily, remove food residues from the mouth promptly after meals, and brush teeth morning and evening. Additionally, patients should have their teeth cleaned professionally once a year, which can effectively remove tartar and dental plaque, benefiting the health of the gums.

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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 gingivitis be detected by taking an X-ray?

Gingivitis is some inflammatory changes in the gum tissue, which cannot be seen on an X-ray. Generally, an X-ray can reveal some changes in the anatomical structure of the teeth. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with gingivitis should seek diagnosis at a formal dental hospital. Treatment should be targeted based on the specific symptoms of the gums and should not be limited to other tests. A comprehensive consideration of multiple examinations can potentially enhance the repair of the teeth. For general gingivitis, it is appropriate to take some anti-inflammatory medication orally. In terms of diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from consuming foods that are too cold, too hot, or too hard, as these may irritate the gums.