A Simple Guide To Gum Disease, (Gingivitis) Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions (A Simple Guide to Medical Conditions)

Gum Disease (Gingivitis) Gum infection is seen very commonly in a family doctor clinic even though it is under the domain of dental surgeons Sometimes it is because of poorly constructed dentures or dentures which has become loose or too tight. There is usually pain and swelling of the gum. Many patients prefer to seek the help of family doctors than the dental surgeons because of their trust in family doctors and the higher cost of dental surgeons. Gum Disease (Gingivitis) is an acute dental disorder which produces inflammation and infection of the gums with redness, swelling and bleeding. Gingivitis is a variety of periodontal disease. Periodontal disorder is inflammation and infection that damages the tissues that prop up the teeth. This may be the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets. Dependent on the seriousness, gum disease is normally classified into two types – gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis Most cases of gingivitis are produced by plaque. This is then termed plaque-linked gingivitis. Periodontitis Periodontitis is literally the inflammation around the tooth. It happens if gingivitis is worsened and continues to affect the tissue that connects the teeth to the gums (the periodontium), and the supporting bone. As a result of periodontitis, a gap (pocket) widens between the tooth and gum. If left not treated, the tooth may slowly become loose and ultimately drop out. Dentists evaluate the seriousness of periodontitis by evaluating the depth of the pockets that occur between the gum and tooth. Plaque can be eradicated from shallow pockets (up to about 3 mm deep) by brushing and clean-up teeth in a normal way. Deeper pockets require to be treated by a dentist, as normal tooth brushing and cleaning will not get to the bottom of the pocket. Plaque if not removed becomes a hard deposit called tartar. Gingivitis occurs because of the long-term results of plaque deposits on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that form on the exposed parts of the teeth. Plaque is also a main source of tooth decay. If the patient does not get rid of plaque, it becomes a hard deposit called tartar (or calculus) that becomes caught at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar aggravate and agitate the gums. 1. Certain infections and body-wide (systemic) disorders 2. Poor dental hygiene 3. Smoking 4. Pregnancy (hormonal changes raise the sensitivity of the gums) 5. Unregulated diabetes 6. Misaligned teeth, rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances (such as braces, dentures, bridges, and crowns) 7. Usage of certain medicines, such as phenytoin, and some birth control pills Symptoms of gingivitis are: 1. Pain in the gums 2. Bleeding gums 3. Red swollen inflamed gums around neck of teeth 4. Swelling of papilla between teeth 5. Gum boils or abscesses in the gums In some patients, symptoms form and may be: 1. Bad breath (halitosis). 2. A foul taste in the mouth. 3. Some pus development in small pockets between the teeth and gums. Diagnosis is based on: 1. Symptoms and signs of red, swollen and inflamed gums 2. Blood tests (full blood count, ESR and blood culture) 3. X-rays of teeth Regular oral hygiene that requires brushing the teeth with a power brush and flossing or using inter-dental brushes is the best treatment. 7. Antibiotics dependent on the organism cultured: a. Mostly streptococci, staphylococci, hemophilus i. Cephalosporin, ii. Penicillin, b. Pseudomonas i. Cephalosporin In surgical treatment a dentist may clear a pocket next to a tooth with infection Scaling: removal of calculus from above & below the gum line Polishing: removal of plaque and stains Root Planing: remove tough calculus deposits A beautiful smile begins with healthy gums TABLE OF CONTENT Introduction Chapter 1 Gum Disease (Gingivitis) Chapter 2 Causes Chapter 3 Symptoms Chapter 4 Diagnosis Chapter 5 Treatm