Why does gingivitis cause the gaps between teeth to become bigger?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on January 30, 2025
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If the patient has gingivitis, prolonged gingivitis is subject to chronic inflammatory stimulation, which can lead to the atrophy of gum tissue and is harmful to the health of the gum tissue.

When gum tissue begins to atrophy, gaps between teeth may become larger. Therefore, it is advised for patients to maintain good oral hygiene daily to prevent chronic gingivitis from adversely affecting oral health.

Furthermore, if gaps between teeth enlarge, prolonged development may lead to tooth loosening or loss. Hence, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene, rinse their mouth promptly after meals to remove food debris, and regularly get their teeth cleaned to remove tartar and plaque, which is beneficial for oral health.

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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 Li Cui
Dentistry
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Is it serious if gingivitis persists and doesn't improve?

When suffering from gingivitis, it is still recommended that patients receive proactive treatment. If gingivitis does not improve, it may develop into chronic gingivitis, leading to further progression of conditions such as periodontitis and root inflammation, and potentially resulting in the formation of gingival fistulas. Therefore, it is advised that patients treat the condition properly. When suffering from gingivitis, it is appropriate to take some oral medications for anti-inflammatory treatment. Additionally, dietary habits play a crucial role. For example, it is important for patients to eat a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. It is essential to rinse the mouth after meals to promptly remove food residues. Regular dental cleaning can effectively remove tartar and dental plaque, which plays a vital role in oral care.

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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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Can gingivitis and bad breath be completely cured?

Halitosis, or bad breath, refers to odors emitted from the mouth or other air-filled cavities such as the nasal cavities, sinuses, and throat, which can significantly impact social interactions. It is advised that patients experiencing gum bleeding or bad breath visit a hospital for dental cleaning, which may include polishing and scaling to effectively remove dental plaque, tartar, and debris, thus eliminating most bacteria. For severe cases of bad breath, it is recommended to seek medical treatment at a hospital under the guidance of a doctor, as it is generally treatable. Patients are advised not to be overly anxious, feel inferior, or be stressed psychologically. Additionally, maintaining daily oral hygiene is crucial; it is reasonable to brush teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and evening, and to rinse the mouth after each meal. Using dental floss to clean between the teeth can help eliminate oral odors.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Where is it effective to massage for gingivitis treatment?

When the patient experiences gingivitis pain, if they want to treat and alleviate it through traditional Chinese medicine massage, the simplest method is to massage the Hegu acupoint on the hand. Additionally, massaging the Xiaguan acupoint can also play a role in alleviation. It is advised that if the patient experiences severe pain and acute inflammation of the gums, they should first maintain a light diet and drink more water for conditioning. If there is no improvement, oral anti-inflammatory drugs such as artificial bezoar metronidazole can be taken. This can be combined with some antibiotic anti-inflammatory drugs, such as amoxicillin, levofloxacin hydrochloride, or other drugs like roxithromycin, all of which can have anti-inflammatory effects and relieve pain. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)