Gingivitis
DEFINITION
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and is very
common.
common.
DESCRIPTION
Gingivitis is caused by plaque (particularly at the tooth/gum
margin) and can result in swelling, redness and bleeding of the
gums. It is not usually painful, and may only affect some parts of
the mouth. Gingivitis is a very common condition in adults and may
in some cases lead to the more serious gum condition known as
Periodontitis. Good oral hygiene techniques are a quick, easy and
effective way to treat and prevent Gingivitis.
margin) and can result in swelling, redness and bleeding of the
gums. It is not usually painful, and may only affect some parts of
the mouth. Gingivitis is a very common condition in adults and may
in some cases lead to the more serious gum condition known as
Periodontitis. Good oral hygiene techniques are a quick, easy and
effective way to treat and prevent Gingivitis.
Most gum and tooth problems are due to poor oral hygiene. It is
essential to regularly remove the bacteria (plaque) that naturally
forms on teeth to prevent Gingivitis. Bleeding gums are NOT normal.
The bleeding is a sign of the irritation caused by the bacteria.
Bleeding gums need more (or better) brushing and flossing, never
less. A toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles will more
than adequately clean your teeth without causing damage to the
teeth or gums. Always make sure you brush all your teeth both
inside and out to ensure thorough cleaning.
essential to regularly remove the bacteria (plaque) that naturally
forms on teeth to prevent Gingivitis. Bleeding gums are NOT normal.
The bleeding is a sign of the irritation caused by the bacteria.
Bleeding gums need more (or better) brushing and flossing, never
less. A toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles will more
than adequately clean your teeth without causing damage to the
teeth or gums. Always make sure you brush all your teeth both
inside and out to ensure thorough cleaning.
Hold the brush with the bristles about 45 degrees to the tooth and
gum and move the brush in a small circular action (concentrating on
one tooth at a time). When a circular action is too difficult to
manage try using a small horizontal scrubbing action. Use firm
pressure but never press too hard. It is important to clean both
the teeth AND the gum next to the teeth.
gum and move the brush in a small circular action (concentrating on
one tooth at a time). When a circular action is too difficult to
manage try using a small horizontal scrubbing action. Use firm
pressure but never press too hard. It is important to clean both
the teeth AND the gum next to the teeth.
Brushes can only clean some surfaces of the teeth. To clean between
teeth, it is important to use floss. Flossing can be a little
difficult to start with but after a few weeks practise it becomes
very easy. Most floss comes with instructions on the pack. It is
important the floss passes slightly below the gum line to clean out
the small crevice between the tooth and the gum. Brushing and
flossing will not remove good fillings. Only fillings that are in
poor condition may be removed by flossing and are best replaced
before any further decay has the chance to form.
teeth, it is important to use floss. Flossing can be a little
difficult to start with but after a few weeks practise it becomes
very easy. Most floss comes with instructions on the pack. It is
important the floss passes slightly below the gum line to clean out
the small crevice between the tooth and the gum. Brushing and
flossing will not remove good fillings. Only fillings that are in
poor condition may be removed by flossing and are best replaced
before any further decay has the chance to form.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all dental conditions your Dentist should be consulted
as there are some rare forms of Gingivitis which need special
attention. Your Dentist will diagnose and treat your particular
problem. Ask your Dentist about how to brush and floss your teeth.
Sometimes plaque builds up in the mouth and becomes hard and
calcified. This calculus (tartar) cannot be brushed or flossed away
and needs to be removed by your Dentist as it is always coated with
a microscopic layer of plaque that causes Gingivitis.
as there are some rare forms of Gingivitis which need special
attention. Your Dentist will diagnose and treat your particular
problem. Ask your Dentist about how to brush and floss your teeth.
Sometimes plaque builds up in the mouth and becomes hard and
calcified. This calculus (tartar) cannot be brushed or flossed away
and needs to be removed by your Dentist as it is always coated with
a microscopic layer of plaque that causes Gingivitis.
DIET HINTS
- Having a wholesome, balanced diet helps to promote healthy
teeth and gums. It is a good idea to eat plenty of fruit and
vegetables which are good sources of vitamins, minerals and soluble
fibre. - Food should be as fresh as possible and it is best to eat
vegtables raw or lighlty steamed if possible to help retain the
nutrient content. - Try not to snack between meals. Eating between meals without
brushing afterwards, allows plaque to build up which can result in
Gingivitis. - After eating it is important to clean your teeth to reduce the
formation of bacteria which can cause Gingivitis. - Make sure that you clean your teeth before going to sleep.
Going to bed without brushing allows plaque to grow on teeth and
gums during the night.
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
The importance of good oral hygiene cannot be over emphasised.
Having an adequate diet alone will not prevent Gingivitis. There is
no substitute for good regular mechanical cleaning with a
toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.
Having an adequate diet alone will not prevent Gingivitis. There is
no substitute for good regular mechanical cleaning with a
toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
See the Australian Dental Association topic on the
Healthpoint.
Healthpoint.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice
- Your Pharmacy stocks a wide range of suitable
toothbrushes. - Brushes can only clean some surfaces of the teeth. To clean
between teeth, it is important to use floss.There are many brands
and types of dental floss Ask your Pharmacist for the type that is
most suitable for you. - Consider using a toothpaste specially formulated for gum
problems. Recent research indicates that a gel or toothpaste
containing tea tree oil, brushed onto the teeth twice a day,
reduces the incidence of gingivitis, that causes inflammation and
bleeding of the gums. - Ask your Pharmacist about mouthwashes which provide temporary
help in controlling Gingivitis. - Follow the Diet Hints.
- Sugarless chewing gum, available from your Pharmacy, can help
to increase the flow of protective saliva to the teeth and gums.
Saliva helps to neutralise acid which can damage teeth and also
helps to prevent the growth of plaque which causes
Gingivitis.
REFERENCE SOURCES
All information has been compiled in collaboration with
leading Dental Practitioners and Researchers.
leading Dental Practitioners and Researchers.