Gingivitis
There are lots of things that can contribute to the red and swollen gum condition called gingivitis. Hormone changes, cancer, HIV, diabetes all may be contributors, but the primary cause is plaque. Control plaque and it's related bacteria, and you control gingivitis. Proper brushing and flossing is key, and your dentist can do thorough cleanings or prophylaxis. As with many other conditions, it helps to eat properly and if you smoke, give it up.
Recently Answered
- Q Should I see my dentist if I think I have gingivitis?
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Dr. Saul Miller, DentistryAbsolutely! If you do have gingivitis, it can often be readily treated. It may also be a sign of other systemic problems. Also, you may not have gingivitis, but rather a more serious condition that requires treatment. As the saying goes, "don't try this... Full Answer
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- Q How does my dentist diagnose periodontal disease?
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Dr. Saul Miller, DentistryPeriodontal disease is diagnosed with clinical and radiographic examination and consideration of the following: evaluation of gums with special measuring probe evaluation of bone level, bone loss and bone changes around the teeth tooth mobility... Full Answer
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- Q What can I do to control gingivitis?
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It can be hard to know if you have periodontal disease but several warning signs can signal a problem. If you notice any of the following, see your dentist: gums that bleed when you brush or floss red, swollen or tender gums gums that have pulled away... Full Answer
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- Q How is gingivitis treated?
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Gingivitis can be reversed with professional dental cleanings and good oral care at home. A good oral hygiene routine practiced for a few minutes twice a day can help reduce your risk of getting periodontal disease and tooth decay. Always remember to... Full Answer
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- Q What is the scaling treatment process for gingivitis?
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During the scaling treatment, large deposits of plaque and tartar are removed from the crowns and roots of your teeth with ultrasonic instruments. Your dentist then uses handheld scalers to remove remaining material, and feels along your gum line to make... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for gingivitis?
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Gingivitis is reversible and usually clears up fairly easily with proper treatment. After a thorough dental cleaning, gingivitis should be gone in a few days to several weeks. Your dentist may also recommend fixing any ill-fitting dental work that may... Full Answer
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- Q What medicines can cause gingivitis?
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Medicines that can cause gingivitis include anti-seizure drugs, calcium channel blockers, and drugs given to people who have had organ transplants. They can cause an overgrowth of gum tissue that makes it difficult to remove plaque. Also, some oral... Full Answer
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- Q Can I get gingivitis from a fungal infection?
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Since fungi are always present in your mouth, you can get gingivitis from using antibiotics or from health conditions that cause more fungus to grow. A common infection, thrush, forms a white film that irritates your gums and coats your tongue... Full Answer
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- Q Are tartar control toothpastes useful for preventing gum disease?
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Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, DentistryTartar-control toothpastes contain sodium pyrophosphates, which help prevent more tartar from forming. But the real problem of gum inflammation and periodontal disease is caused by bacteria forming under the gum. At the end of the day,... Full Answer
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- Q Can gingivitis become a dental emergency?
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Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. If not treated, gingivitis may lead to a more serious, destructive form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. It is possible to have periodontal disease... Full Answer
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