Gingivitis
A condition of the gums characterized by inflammation and bleeding.
PubMed Health Glossary
(Source: NIH - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
About Gingivitis
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless "plaque" on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form "tartar" that brushing doesn't clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called "gingivitis." In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. NIH - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
What works? Research summarized
Evidence reviews
Clinical applicability of natural product(s)-containing mouthwashes as adjunctive treatment of biofilm-induced gingivitis: a systematic review
Bibliographic details: Freires IA, Silva IC, Alves LA, Bezerra LM, Castro RD. Clinical applicability of natural product(s)-containing mouthwashes as adjunctive treatment of biofilm-induced gingivitis: a systematic review. Revista Brasileira de Plantas Medicinais 2012; 14(4): 700-711
Different types of powered toothbrushes for plaque control and healthy gums
Powered brushes were first introduced commercially in the 1960s. A previously published Cochrane systematic review suggested one type of powered brush was superior to manual toothbrushing for the removal of plaque and reduction of gum inflammation.That review did not allow direct comparison between the different types of powered toothbrushes.
Acyclovir for treating primary herpetic gingivostomatitis
There is some weak evidence that acyclovir can be an effective treatment in decreasing some of the symptoms caused by primary herpetic gingivostomatitis.
Summaries for consumers
Gingivitis and periodontitis: Overview
Gingivitis (inflamed gums) is usually harmless and goes away quickly. But sometimes gingivitis can spread to the tissues that support our teeth and keep them firmly in place (periodontium). This is called periodontitis. You can read about what can be done to stop it from getting worse and preventative oral hygiene.
Gingivitis and periodontitis: Treatment of periodontitis: Cleaning, scaling, care
Advanced periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen and fall out. Treating the disease in a systematic way can usually stop periodontitis from getting worse. Good oral hygiene is absolutely essential for treatment success.Besides caring for teeth and gums, there are several different ways for dentists to prevent or treat periodontitis. Systematic treatment of periodontitis consists of the following steps:Improved oral hygiene and professional teeth-cleaningRemoving film and deposits below the gumline (subgingival scaling) and planing the roots of the teethConfirmation of treatment successSurgery with local anesthetic, if neededFollow-up careStatutory insurers in Germany will cover some of the costs involved in the systematic treatment of periodontitis, but a special request must be filed in advance. This should include a treatment and cost plan provided by your dentist. Your health insurer can let you know which services will be covered in your specific case.
Different types of powered toothbrushes for plaque control and healthy gums
Powered brushes were first introduced commercially in the 1960s. A previously published Cochrane systematic review suggested one type of powered brush was superior to manual toothbrushing for the removal of plaque and reduction of gum inflammation.That review did not allow direct comparison between the different types of powered toothbrushes.
Also called: Gum inflammation, Inflamed gums
See Also: Periodontitis
Other terms to know:
Inflammation, Plaque, Tartar
Keep up with systematic reviews on Gingivitis:
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