Can hydrogen peroxide be used as a mouthwash for gingivitis?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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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What is the difference between gum swelling and pain due to "heatiness" and gingivitis?

Swollen and painful gums due to "heatiness" is also a type of gingivitis, which encompasses a range of conditions. It is essentially a general term for inflammation of the gums. Therefore, it is recommended that patients should distinguish the cause, as "heatiness" can lead to symptoms like swollen and painful gums. In such cases, patients can clear the "heat" by taking some herbal medicines or teas that reduce "heatiness," drinking more water, and adjusting their diet, which generally can provide quick relief. If a patient has poor oral hygiene, such as a lot of dental plaque or tartar on their teeth, this can continuously irritate the gums and cause chronic gingivitis, leading to pain. The medications used in these cases are generally similar, thus patients do not need to be overly anxious. Appropriate use of drugs like periodontal health supplements or artificial bezoar metronidazole can effectively reduce inflammation and relieve pain. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Internal Medicine
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The difference between pericoronitis and gingivitis.

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 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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What to soak and drink for gingivitis?

If the patient has gingivitis caused by excessive internal heat, it is appropriate to soak some honeysuckle or drink chrysanthemum tea. However, using only these herbal teas for the treatment of gingivitis will not be very effective. It is recommended that patients address the underlying causes of their gingivitis, whether it be dental caries or pulpitis that is causing the gum inflammation. It is advised that patients seek treatment in a hospital under the guidance of a professional doctor. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers as appropriate can be very effective in reducing inflammation. Additionally, using traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat and detoxify can also help reduce inflammation and internal heat. Patients should focus on a bland diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Maintaining a regular diet and lifestyle and developing good habits are also recommended. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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.