What will happen if gingivitis is not treated?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on December 21, 2024
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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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Symptoms of gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common and frequently occurring disease. If it is not treated in time, it can lead to pulpitis, periodontitis, and even cause dental pain, necrosis, tooth loosening, and loss. When gingivitis occurs, the gingival tissues exhibit vascular congestion, leading to a change in the color of the gums from normal pink to dark red or purplish red. Additionally, symptoms of gingivitis include edema and a change in the appearance of the gums, which become looser and do not adhere tightly to the teeth. There may also be pain, increased fragility of the gums, and spontaneous bleeding, particularly noticeable during brushing and when biting hard objects.

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Where is it effective to massage for gingivitis treatment?

When the patient experiences gingivitis pain, if they want to treat and alleviate it through traditional Chinese medicine massage, the simplest method is to massage the Hegu acupoint on the hand. Additionally, massaging the Xiaguan acupoint can also play a role in alleviation. It is advised that if the patient experiences severe pain and acute inflammation of the gums, they should first maintain a light diet and drink more water for conditioning. If there is no improvement, oral anti-inflammatory drugs such as artificial bezoar metronidazole can be taken. This can be combined with some antibiotic anti-inflammatory drugs, such as amoxicillin, levofloxacin hydrochloride, or other drugs like roxithromycin, all of which can have anti-inflammatory effects and relieve pain. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Can I eat grapes with gingivitis?

Patients with gingivitis can eat grapes, as grapes contain rich vitamins and nutrients, which can be very beneficial to the body. However, it is recommended that patients rinse their mouth and brush their teeth immediately after eating grapes to remove any residual grape juice. Since grapes are sweet, leaving residues in the mouth can lead to bacterial growth and worsen gingivitis. Therefore, patients can consume a moderate amount of grapes, and eating other fresh fruits can also be beneficial for inflammation recovery. In daily life, it is also recommended for patients to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. For gingivitis, it is important to identify the causes, whether it is due to wisdom teeth, periodontitis, or apical periodontitis. In such cases, it is generally advised to seek medical advice and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

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Can gingivitis be detected by taking an X-ray?

Gingivitis is some inflammatory changes in the gum tissue, which cannot be seen on an X-ray. Generally, an X-ray can reveal some changes in the anatomical structure of the teeth. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with gingivitis should seek diagnosis at a formal dental hospital. Treatment should be targeted based on the specific symptoms of the gums and should not be limited to other tests. A comprehensive consideration of multiple examinations can potentially enhance the repair of the teeth. For general gingivitis, it is appropriate to take some anti-inflammatory medication orally. In terms of diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from consuming foods that are too cold, too hot, or too hard, as these may irritate the gums.

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Is suppurative gingivitis serious?

Purulent gingivitis is a further development of common gingivitis. If common gingivitis only causes some congestion, swelling, sensitivity, or pain in the gums, it may lead to the formation of pus in the gum tissues if not treated timely. Patients are advised to seek treatment early in such cases. If the progression of gingivitis is not controlled in time, it may lead to periodontitis, damage to the tooth root tissues, and some alveolar bone. Therefore, it is advised that patients seek immediate medical attention when experiencing purulent gingivitis, as it is a severe condition. Treatment usually involves localized anti-inflammatory and purulent management at a standard dental hospital. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a light diet, ensure oral hygiene, and develop proper brushing habits.