The Hazards of Gingivitis

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Gingivitis refers to an inflammation of the gum tissues, commonly caused by not brushing teeth in time after eating, accumulation of food residues or dental plaque around the teeth, which over time forms tartar due to the calcification by saliva. This long-term irritation to the gum tissue leads to bleeding gums, including bleeding while eating or brushing teeth. It is necessary to get a timely dental cleaning, otherwise it can lead to periodontitis or even result in loose teeth, and potentially tooth loss. Therefore, the harm caused by gingivitis is significant. Once gingivitis occurs, it requires timely dental cleaning to remove tartar and other irritating factors to alleviate symptoms of gum bleeding, allowing the gums to return to a normal, healthy state.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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How long does it take for gingivitis to heal after a dental cleaning?

When a patient has gingivitis, generally, dental cleaning can reduce some of the inflammatory irritation. However, there is no specific time frame for how long it will take to recover from gingivitis solely through dental cleaning. If a patient has gingivitis, it is still advisable to use some medications, such as oral anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, antibacterial drugs against anaerobic bacteria like metronidazole, tinidazole, or ornidazole, can be combined with some antibiotics, commonly amoxicillin or cephalosporins, or erythromycin. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene, rinse their mouths promptly after meals, brush their teeth morning and night, and cultivate correct dietary habits. It is important to avoid spicy and overly hard foods in the diet. Furthermore, patients should ensure to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and schedule regular teeth cleanings to reduce the irritation caused by gingivitis.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Is suppurative gingivitis serious?

Purulent gingivitis is a further development of common gingivitis. If common gingivitis only causes some congestion, swelling, sensitivity, or pain in the gums, it may lead to the formation of pus in the gum tissues if not treated timely. Patients are advised to seek treatment early in such cases. If the progression of gingivitis is not controlled in time, it may lead to periodontitis, damage to the tooth root tissues, and some alveolar bone. Therefore, it is advised that patients seek immediate medical attention when experiencing purulent gingivitis, as it is a severe condition. Treatment usually involves localized anti-inflammatory and purulent management at a standard dental hospital. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a light diet, ensure oral hygiene, and develop proper brushing habits.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can gingivitis be treated by rinsing with salt water?

When suffering from gingivitis, it is appropriate to use some light saltwater for rinsing, but it is recommended that patients purchase more professional mouthwash for rinsing. This is because some specialized mouthwashes contain medicinal ingredients that can effectively control the bacteria in the mouth and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. They can remove some oral bacteria and food residues, so it is advised that patients use mouthwash. Additionally, when patients experience gingivitis, while mouthwash is one aspect, the main focus should still be on anti-inflammatory treatment. Appropriate oral intake of anti-inflammatory drugs can have an effective treatment impact, such as commonly used drugs against anaerobic bacteria combined with some antibiotics, which can provide effective treatment.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Why does gingivitis bleed at night?

Patients with gingivitis often experience gum bleeding. However, this bleeding mainly occurs during morning tooth brushing, but it can also occur at night, though the timing is unpredictable. Patients with gingivitis should be cautious about their diet and avoid hard or overly spicy foods. Since gingivitis is a chronic inflammation, it can cause trauma during tooth brushing or chewing, leading to bleeding of the gum tissues. Therefore, it is advised that patients brush gently if they have gingivitis, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and maintaining a mild diet. Additionally, patients should focus on oral hygiene and develop proper oral health habits, including brushing their teeth both morning and night.

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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.