Can gingivitis heal itself?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Gingivitis is difficult to heal on its own and requires corresponding treatment. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue, characterized by redness of the gums, swelling, pus leakage, or bleeding during brushing and eating, with bleeding during brushing being a common symptom that often prompts timely medical attention. Examination of the teeth can reveal a large amount of dental plaque, tartar, or biofilm around the gum area. In such cases, timely dental cleaning is necessary to remove these deposits. During the removal process, bleeding from the gums may worsen, and it may be necessary to apply medication around the gums, using anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate the inflammation. If the inflammation is controlled, gingivitis may be managed, but without treatment, gingivitis cannot heal by itself.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Should gingivitis be treated with hot compresses or cold compresses?

When patients experience gingivitis, this condition is generally related to inflammation within the body, a prolonged habit of poor diet leading to decreased immune function, resulting in inflammation of the gums. When gingivitis occurs, since it involves inflammation, it is generally recommended to apply cold compresses to relieve the pain somewhat; one should definitely not apply hot compresses as they might increase the local inflammation. It is advised that patients undergo appropriate medical treatment. They can take some anti-inflammatory drugs orally, such as Metronidazole or Tinidazole, or a combination with antibiotic anti-inflammatory drugs. If the pain is severe, one can also use antipyretic analgesics to alleviate local tooth pain. Most importantly, patients should develop good dietary and lifestyle habits.

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
1min 24sec home-news-image

What is the difference between periodontitis and gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a condition that is limited to the gum tissues, whereas periodontitis not only affects the gum tissues but also damages the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Gingivitis merely involves inflammation of the gum tissues, displaying redness and swelling, as well as changes in the shape, color, and texture of the gums, including bleeding, hypertrophy, and a soft texture. Periodontitis involves not only inflammation of the gums but also leads to attachment loss, formation of periodontal pockets, resorption of the alveolar bone, and loosening or loss of teeth. Gingivitis does not involve bone resorption. In periodontitis, X-rays can show a reduced height of the alveolar ridge, presenting as either horizontal or vertical resorption. For the treatment of gingivitis, supragingival cleaning can completely cure it, allowing gum tissues to return to normal. The treatment of periodontitis, in addition to supragingival cleaning, requires subgingival scaling, root planing, and, when necessary, periodontal surgery to control inflammation, as the resorption of alveolar bone is irreversible.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Why does gingivitis bleed at night?

Patients with gingivitis often experience gum bleeding. However, this bleeding mainly occurs during morning tooth brushing, but it can also occur at night, though the timing is unpredictable. Patients with gingivitis should be cautious about their diet and avoid hard or overly spicy foods. Since gingivitis is a chronic inflammation, it can cause trauma during tooth brushing or chewing, leading to bleeding of the gum tissues. Therefore, it is advised that patients brush gently if they have gingivitis, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and maintaining a mild diet. Additionally, patients should focus on oral hygiene and develop proper oral health habits, including brushing their teeth both morning and night.

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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How to treat severe gingivitis?

Gingivitis is relatively common in daily life, mainly due to poor oral hygiene, dental calculus, plaque, food residues, and soft tartar, which irritate the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If severe, it can lead to gum recession, absorption of the alveolar bone, and loosening or loss of teeth. For severe gingivitis, initial treatment involves supragingival cleaning followed by subgingival scaling and root planing. If individual teeth continue to experience recurring swelling and pain after scaling, surgical treatment such as gingival flap surgery may be performed. This involves cutting open the gums to thoroughly remove calculus, plaque, food residues, and soft tartar, which can subsequently improve tooth mobility. In cases where teeth cannot be preserved and need to be extracted, severe gingivitis can also lead to the formation of gum abscesses. In such cases, oral cephalexin can be taken, and using a compound chlorhexidine mouthwash can help alleviate the condition and reduce pain.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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How to treat gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both phenomena of periodontal diseases. Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontitis, with the earliest phase typically being common gingivitis. If gingivitis is not well controlled, it can further develop into periodontitis. However, once periodontitis occurs, there is definitely inflammation of the gums. In the development of both gingivitis and periodontitis, dental plaque and tartar generally play a major role. When gingivitis occurs, the lesions are generally limited to the gum tissue, and at this time, the course of the disease is relatively milder. If gingivitis is not cured and develops into periodontitis, it will not only damage the gums but also the alveolar bone, and other periodontal tissues will also be destroyed. Therefore, it is advised that patients with gingivitis should take timely treatment measures.