II. Definition
- Gum local inflammation without the bone loss seen in Periodontitis
III. Causes
- Plaque
- Calculus
- Food accretion
IV. Symptoms
- Painless swelling and erythema of the gums
- Gums bleed easily with Tooth Brushing and flossing
- Halitosis
V. Signs
- Gingival margin redness and swelling
- Bulbous interdental papillae
- Disappearance of normal stippling
- Easy bleeding with light contact
VII. Complications
- See Periodontal Disease
- Tooth loss (Periodontitis)
VIII. Management
- See Oral Hygiene below
- Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12% rinse (Peridex) or
- Hexetidine 0.1% rinse (Oraldene) or
- Listerine antiseptic
IX. Prevention: Oral Hygiene
- See Oral Health
- Frequent Tooth Brushing, flossing and fluoride rinses
- Newer toothpastes contain AntibioticTriclosan
- Colgate Total and Crest Multicare
- Reduces Plaque and Gingivitis up to 50%
- No signs of Antibiotic Resistance
- References
- (7/4/97) FDA Talk Paper
- (12/29/97) WSJ
- (1996) J Clin Dent (7 Suppl):S199