Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums (gingiva).
Alternative NamesGum disease; Periodontal disease
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsGingivitis is a form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets (alveolar bone).
Gingivitis is due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque is a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that develops on the exposed parts of the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth decay. If you do not remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. Bacteria and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender.
Injury to the gums from any cause, including overly vigorous brushing or flossing of the teeth, can cause gingivitis.
The following raise your risk for developing gingivitis:
Misaligned teeth, rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances (such as braces, dentures, bridges, and crowns) can irritate the gums and increase the risk of gingivitis.
Medications such as phenytoin and birth control pills, and heavy metals such as lead and bismuth are also associated with gingivitis.
Many people have gingivitis to a varying degree. It usually develops during puberty or early adulthood due to hormonal changes and may persist or recur frequently, depending on the health of your teeth and gums.
SymptomsThe dentist will examine your mouth and teeth and look for soft, swollen, red-purple gums. Deposits of plaque and tartar may be seen at the base of the teeth. The gums are usually painless or mildly tender.
No further testing is usually necessary, although dental x-rays and dental bone measurements may be done to determine whether the inflammation has spread to the supporting structures of the teeth.
See: Periodontitis
TreatmentThe goal is to reduce inflammation. The teeth are cleaned thoroughly by the dentist or dental hygienist. This may involve various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth.
Careful oral hygiene is necessary after professional tooth cleaning. The dentist or hygienist will show you how to brush and floss. Professional tooth cleaning in addition to brushing and flossing may be recommended twice per year or more frequently for severe cases. Antibacterial mouth rinses or other aids may be recommended in addition to frequent, careful, tooth brushing and flossing.
Repair of misaligned teeth or replacement of dental and orthodontic appliances may be recommended. Any other related illnesses or conditions should be treated.
Expectations (prognosis)The removal of plaque from inflamed gums may be uncomfortable. Bleeding and tenderness of the gums should lessen within 1 or 2 weeks after professional cleaning and careful oral hygiene. Warm salt water or antibacterial rinses can reduce the puffiness. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications will ease any discomfort from a rigorous cleaning.
Healthy gums are pink and firm in appearance. Strict oral hygiene must be maintained for your whole life or gingivitis will recur.
ComplicationsCall your dentist if symptoms of gingivitis are present, especially if you have not had a routine cleaning and examination in the last 6 months.
Call your health care provider if the dentist recommends medical treatment of underlying conditions that contribute to the development of gingivitis.
PreventionGood oral hygiene is the best prevention against gingivitis because it removes the plaque that causes the disorder. The teeth should be brushed at least twice daily and flossed gently at least once per day. For people who are prone to gingivitis, brushing and flossing may be recommended after every meal and at bedtime. Consult the dentist or dental hygienist for instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Special appliances or tools may be recommended by the dentist for use by people who are particularly prone to plaque deposits. The use of supplements does not replace thorough brushing and flossing. Appliances and tools may include special toothpicks, toothbrushes, water irrigation, or other devices.
Antiplaque or antitartar toothpastes or mouth rinses may be recommended by the dentist or dental hygienist.
Regular professional tooth cleaning is important to remove plaque that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing. Many dentists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned at least every 6 months.
ReferencesFerri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005:447-448.
Marx J. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:898.
American Academy of Periodontology. Parameter on plaque-induced gingivitis. J Periodontol. 2000;71:851-852.
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Gingivitis is an an inflammation of the gingivae - the gums.
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gram - anaerobes
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Desquamative gingivitis occurs mainly in postmenopausal women
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Gingivitis is the medical term meaning inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is a common finding in many types of gum disease.
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Gingivitis is also one of the early signs of leukemia in some children
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Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis is mainly seen in young adults
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Gingivitis is caused by anaerobic bacteria that does not need of oxygen to growth. The most common bacteria that cause gingivitis are Gram-negative
Phorphyromonas
Gingivalis,
Fusobacterium
and
Prevotella
Intermedia.
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difference bt chronic n acute gingivitis
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While some antibiotics such as amoxicillin or clindamycin may be used for gingivitis, oral rinses containing chlorhexidine (Peridex) have also been used for gingivitis and peridontitis.
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Stage I periodontal disease.
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The Greek suffix "itis" means inflammation. Therefore, gingivitis refers to the inflammation of the gums.
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Yes, cats can get gingivitis. To prevent it try giving your cat dental treats, or feeding chunks of raw meat once a week.
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Gingivitis is inflamed gums. The most common cause of gingivitis is inadequate oral hygiene. Improving one's oral hygiene through frequent effective brushing and flossing usually reduces or eliminates gingivitis.
It is important to differentiate gingivitis from periodontitis. While gingivitis only involves the gums, periodontitis involves the periodontal attachment, that is the tissues that hold the tooth to the jaw bone. Loss of this attachment is most often irreversible, and this condition must be treated with the help of a dentist and dental hygienist.
See your dentist for a correct diagnosis and treatment.
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"Gingiva" is the medical name for what we call our gums. "itis" is a suffix in medical lingo that means "inflammation". Hence: "Gingivitis - inflammation of the gums".
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Conan - 2010 And in This Corner--- Gingivitis 1-67 was released on:
USA: 23 March 2011
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Several distinct forms of periodontal disease are known. These are gingivitis, acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, adult periodontitis, and localized juvenile periodontitis
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Most dentists will charge from $50 to $120 for gingivitis treatment in New Jersey. If the case is severe, the cost could be significantly more.
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who discovered peridontal disease and what is the name of the bacteria that causes it.
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It is a disease called "Gingivitis".
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gingivitis caused by any bacteria in plaque structure mainly streptococos mutans & fusobacterium and actinobacteria. ,but its acute type called ANUG mostly caused by prevotella intemedia
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Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, is a very serious oral health problem. The symptoms of Gingivitis include swollen or bleeding gums, along with painful places along the gum line.
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Tea Tree essential oil is good for disinfection, but for pain, nutmeg essestial oil may be a better choice.
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To treat gingivitis you have to brush your teeth twice a day, floss and rinse your mouth. You should also see a dentist twice each year.
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