About this topic
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum that surrounds and supports the teeth. Gingivitis causes gums to become swollen, red, and painful. Your gums may bleed or be tender when brushing or flossing your teeth. If the condition is left untreated, teeth may loosen or even fall out. Common causes of this health problem include: ‚
- Poor cleaning of teeth
- Having braces that make it tougher to clean
- Injury to the gums
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes
- Uncontrolled blood sugar
- Smoking or tobacco chewing
- Poor diet
- Side effects of certain drugs
- Stress
- Other medical conditions
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Brush and floss your teeth well at least 2 times each day, and especially before bed.
- Practice the proper way of brushing your teeth.
- Use mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Ask your dentist which mouthwash is best for you.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office 1 or 2 times each year to get your teeth checked and cleaned. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activity will not be limited. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Inflammation and bleeding comes back
- The inflammation gets worse and affects the bones and teeth. This could be periodontitis, which may require more treatment.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take good care of your teeth.
- Brush your teeth 2 times each day. Floss each day.
- Get regular dental checkups.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Gums become tender
- Gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how I will take care of my mouth.
- I can tell you what I will do if my gums are tender or bleed easily.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Periodontology ‚
http://www.perio.org/consumer/4a.html ‚
http://www.perio.org/consumer/2a.html ‚
http://www.perio.org/consumer/children.htm ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚