Definition:

-Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums

-Gum inflammation occurs because the accumulated bacteria cause the tissue reaction (gum swelling) , which is a way for our bodies to fight back.

-Bacteria accumulate on any rough, unpolished surface as well as any areas that we are unable to keep clean. 

 

Cause:

1. Plaque-  Most common cause, where bacteria accumulate 

2. Tartar (calculus)- Calcified plaque

3. Unpolished fillings

4. Open margins (gap between a tooth and  a filling)

5. Poor oral hygiene (which leads to accumulation of bacteria)

 

Treatment:

-The main objective is to keep the bugs (bacteria) in check.

1. Good oral hygiene

2. Regular cleanings (usually every 6-months)

3. Oral antibacterial rinses

Periodontitis

"Gum Disease"

 

Definition:

-Inflammatory process that causes destruction of tooth supporting bone and other supporting structures.

-In general it is caused by long standing gum inflammation, therefore a prolonged body reaction against bacteria

-More common in smokers and diabetics

-Periodontitis in general is classified by amount of bone that supports the teeth. 

-Bone loss can be found either locally or throughout the entire mouth

-The disease also has genetic predisposition (this means that if your parents were affected at an early age, you might be as well)

-One of the most common reason why dentures are needed

 

What can be done to prevent it:

-Good Oral hygiene (this includes flossing)

-Regular cleanings

-Regular check-ups (to catch and slow down the disease process early)

Treatment for periodontitis:

-Scaling and root planning (this will usually slow down the process that causes bone loss)

-Regular recall visits.  Depending upon how severe the disease. This can vary between 3-6 moth intervals.   

-Surgeries can be performed to enable the patient to clean more effectively which will ultimately keep the inflammation to a minimum.  

Gingival Abcess

Definition:

-A localized, painful, rapidly expanding lesion involving the gum which is sometimes  present in a disease free area.  

 

CAUSE:

-Impaction of a foreign body such as impression material or a popcorn kernel

-it occurs in an otherwise healthy environment 

 

Treatment:

-Most important is to drain the puss

-remove the foreign body

-rinse the are with sterile saline

-patient should rinse with warm saline

-examine the patient in 48 hours to determine if improvement occurred

-no antibiotics needed in a healthy patient

Periodontal Abcess

Definition:

-a localized accumulation of pus within the gum of a patient with periodontal disease 

-this results in destruction of the gum and the tooth supporting bone in the area

 

Cause:

-occurs when drainage is blocked off from a periodontal packet( can only occur in a patient with periodontal disease) 

-The frequency of reoccurrence depends upon how severe the periodontal disease is

-can occur because of impaction of a foreign object

-can occur after gum surgery or during other treatment( deep cleaning, etc. )

 

Treatment:

Phase I

-Most important is to drain the puss

-remove the foreign body

-rinse the are with sterile saline

-patient should rinse with warm saline

-examine the patient in 24-48 hours to determine if improvement occurred

-Depending upon the heath history of a patient, antibiotics may or may not be necessary

Phase II

-treat underlying periodontal problem to reduce the chances of reoccurrence

-treatment should begin about one week after emergency visit

Great tool for getting into spaces that are too wide for floss. With a small brush one can easily clean around braces, crowns and implants. Gentle massaging of the gum will simulate and firm the gum tissue making i less prone to bleeding. It is also recommended for cleaning hard to reach areas like the back of a wisdom tooth.

Used to stimulate the gum tissue which strengthens it and makes it more firm.

Has been proven to fight gingivitis as well as periodontal disease. Excellent tool for individuals who brush and floss daily and still have problem areas