Facts On Gingivitis

An inflammation of the gums, most people develop gingivitis at some time in their lives.

In this article:

What is gingivitis?

Causes

Treatments

Symptoms

Diagnosis

How Chemist Online can help

What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth, usually caused by a build up of bacterial plaque.

Symptoms
Symptoms of gingivitis include:

Tenderness of the gums (particularly when the gums are touched)

Swelling of the gums (and redness due to inflammation)

Bleeding (particularly while brushing teeth)

Bad breath

Loosening of teeth (and teeth actually falling out)

Eating difficulties

Causes
Gingivitis is caused primarily by poor oral hygiene – plaque accumulating in the areas between the teeth.

Other causes include:

Poor nutrition

Smoking

Pregnancy (where hormonal changes can leave your gums vulnerable to bacterial infection)

Reactions to certain prescribed medications, and

Uncontrolled diabetes

Diagnosis
If you are suffering from any of the aforementioned symptoms, make an appointment with your GP. He or she will examine your gums and ask you some questions in order to assess your condition and make an accurate diagnosis. It is unlikely that any tests or other procedures will be required to do this.

If gingivitis is diagnosed, you will be referred to a dentist who will carry out an X-ray to check upon the condition of your teeth and jaw bone.

Treatments
If you are diagnosed with gingivitis, your dentist will scale and polish your teeth to remove plaque. If your condition is particularly severe, your GP may prescribe a 3-day course of antibiotics for you to take in the days leading up to your dental appointment. You may also be prescribed analgesics to reduce pain and discomfort caused by your condition.

To prevent gingivitis developing again, always practice good oral hygiene, this includes: brushing you teeth twice a day (preferably with an electric toothbrush), daily flossing, and not smoking.

How Chemist Online can help
Through this website we have available to buy a range of mouthwashes and toothpastes which can all help you to maintain a healthy mouth, including Listerine Original Mouthwash which kills the germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis – giving 24-hour protection, and Aquafresh Toothpaste Extreme Clean Intense Rush – a fluoride toothpaste with a micro-active formula.




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This information and advice is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or chemist. Chemist Online is also not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based upon the content of the Chemist Online website. Chemist Online is also not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.


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