What is the difference between gum swelling and pain due to "heatiness" and gingivitis?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on May 26, 2025
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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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Dentistry
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How to treat gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both phenomena of periodontal diseases. Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontitis, with the earliest phase typically being common gingivitis. If gingivitis is not well controlled, it can further develop into periodontitis. However, once periodontitis occurs, there is definitely inflammation of the gums. In the development of both gingivitis and periodontitis, dental plaque and tartar generally play a major role. When gingivitis occurs, the lesions are generally limited to the gum tissue, and at this time, the course of the disease is relatively milder. If gingivitis is not cured and develops into periodontitis, it will not only damage the gums but also the alveolar bone, and other periodontal tissues will also be destroyed. Therefore, it is advised that patients with gingivitis should take timely treatment measures.

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Internal Medicine
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Symptoms of gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common and frequently occurring disease. If it is not treated in time, it can lead to pulpitis, periodontitis, and even cause dental pain, necrosis, tooth loosening, and loss. When gingivitis occurs, the gingival tissues exhibit vascular congestion, leading to a change in the color of the gums from normal pink to dark red or purplish red. Additionally, symptoms of gingivitis include edema and a change in the appearance of the gums, which become looser and do not adhere tightly to the teeth. There may also be pain, increased fragility of the gums, and spontaneous bleeding, particularly noticeable during brushing and when biting hard objects.

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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 Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can gingivitis be transmitted through kissing?

The patient presents with gingivitis, generally due to intrinsic causes. It could be caused by the patient's internal heat leading to inflamed gums, resulting in gingivitis and periodontitis. Typically, kissing does not lead to transmission because it is not a contagious disease. It is advised that the patient pays attention to their oral hygiene, regularly undergoes dental cleaning, and avoids causing other dental diseases. Gingivitis and oral ulcers do not spread through kissing. However, it is recommended that the patient seeks timely treatment and avoids kissing during this time. While it does not cause contagion, it can lead to the spread of some bacteria in the mouth, which may exacerbate the condition. Therefore, early treatment is advised, but there is no need for excessive worry.

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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.)