What will happen if gingivitis lasts for a long time?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Gingivitis has a high incidence rate, and the initial symptoms are not obvious, which many people overlook. Gingivitis is caused by the presence of a large amount of dental plaque and tartar on the gums. Long-term bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums, resulting in swollen and painful gums. Severe cases may often experience bleeding gums. If not treated promptly, the inflammation can further develop into periodontal inflammation, causing periodontal atrophy. This leads to insufficient periodontal protection around the tooth roots, bleeding, loose teeth, and tooth loss, severely affecting health. Therefore, it is essential to treat gingivitis promptly and pay more attention to oral hygiene to maintain healthy teeth.

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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 Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can hydrogen peroxide be used as a mouthwash for gingivitis?

Gingivitis can be treated with hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, as hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid with an irritating odor, and medically, it is commonly used for disinfecting wounds and otitis media. When the skin is infected or there are wounds and pus or contamination in the oral mucosa, 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used for disinfection, as it can destroy the bodies of bacteria and kill them. During oral treatment, such as some root canal treatments, hydrogen peroxide can be used for rinsing because most oral infections originate from anaerobic bacteria, and hydrogen peroxide has a strong bactericidal effect. However, as hydrogen peroxide is a topical medication, care should be taken not to swallow it while using it for mouthwash.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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What to soak and drink for gingivitis?

If the patient has gingivitis caused by excessive internal heat, it is appropriate to soak some honeysuckle or drink chrysanthemum tea. However, using only these herbal teas for the treatment of gingivitis will not be very effective. It is recommended that patients address the underlying causes of their gingivitis, whether it be dental caries or pulpitis that is causing the gum inflammation. It is advised that patients seek treatment in a hospital under the guidance of a professional doctor. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers as appropriate can be very effective in reducing inflammation. Additionally, using traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat and detoxify can also help reduce inflammation and internal heat. Patients should focus on a bland diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Maintaining a regular diet and lifestyle and developing good habits are also recommended. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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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Can gingivitis be transmitted through kissing?

The patient presents with gingivitis, generally due to intrinsic causes. It could be caused by the patient's internal heat leading to inflamed gums, resulting in gingivitis and periodontitis. Typically, kissing does not lead to transmission because it is not a contagious disease. It is advised that the patient pays attention to their oral hygiene, regularly undergoes dental cleaning, and avoids causing other dental diseases. Gingivitis and oral ulcers do not spread through kissing. However, it is recommended that the patient seeks timely treatment and avoids kissing during this time. While it does not cause contagion, it can lead to the spread of some bacteria in the mouth, which may exacerbate the condition. Therefore, early treatment is advised, but there is no need for excessive worry.