How to treat gingivitis and periodontitis?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on January 19, 2025
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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.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can gingivitis and bad breath be completely cured?

Halitosis, or bad breath, refers to odors emitted from the mouth or other air-filled cavities such as the nasal cavities, sinuses, and throat, which can significantly impact social interactions. It is advised that patients experiencing gum bleeding or bad breath visit a hospital for dental cleaning, which may include polishing and scaling to effectively remove dental plaque, tartar, and debris, thus eliminating most bacteria. For severe cases of bad breath, it is recommended to seek medical treatment at a hospital under the guidance of a doctor, as it is generally treatable. Patients are advised not to be overly anxious, feel inferior, or be stressed psychologically. Additionally, maintaining daily oral hygiene is crucial; it is reasonable to brush teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and evening, and to rinse the mouth after each meal. Using dental floss to clean between the teeth can help eliminate oral odors.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Why Gingivitis Always Persists

The treatment of gingivitis first requires patients to pay attention to adjusting their diet and lifestyle, as gingivitis is greatly related to the dietary habits of the patient. Patients who do not pay attention to oral hygiene over a long period and indulge excessively in eating and drinking, often consuming barbecued or fried foods, are likely to experience issues such as increased heat in the body or a reduction in immune resistance, depleting some of the body’s energy. Therefore, it is recommended that patients maintain a light diet, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, drink more water appropriately, and ensure adequate rest, avoiding staying up late. Additionally, patients should initially undertake treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, often involving anti-anaerobic or antibiotic drugs, which can effectively treat gingivitis. Additionally, patients can also routinely get their teeth cleaned in daily life, which can effectively relieve the symptoms of gingivitis.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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What will happen if gingivitis is not treated?

When a patient has gingivitis, if they cannot receive timely treatment, they may experience long-term inflammation that irritates the gum tissue, leading to nutrient loss in the gums and eventual gum recession. Further progression can lead to loose teeth, and ultimately, tooth loss. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with gingivitis to seek prompt treatment. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene, as long-term poor oral hygiene is a major cause of gingivitis. It is important to promptly remove food residues after meals to prevent bacterial infections. Furthermore, developing correct brushing habits in the morning and evening is recommended, and patients should consider regular dental cleanings, which can effectively remove tartar and plaque, reducing irritation to the gums.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Why does gingivitis cause the gaps between teeth to become bigger?

If the patient has gingivitis, prolonged gingivitis is subject to chronic inflammatory stimulation, which can lead to the atrophy of gum tissue and is harmful to the health of the gum tissue. When gum tissue begins to atrophy, gaps between teeth may become larger. Therefore, it is advised for patients to maintain good oral hygiene daily to prevent chronic gingivitis from adversely affecting oral health. Furthermore, if gaps between teeth enlarge, prolonged development may lead to tooth loosening or loss. Hence, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene, rinse their mouth promptly after meals to remove food debris, and regularly get their teeth cleaned to remove tartar and plaque, which is beneficial for oral health.

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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.