Gingivitis

Question 1

Treatment

Answer 1

Caused by plaque—remove and clean by dentist

Use dental floss regularly (twice a day)

Brush carefully at gumline with Sensodyne (pink) or similar toothpaste

Perform gum massage between thumb and index finger

Use chlorhexidine 0.2% or 0.12% aqueous solution, Listerine mouthwash or dilute hydrogen peroxide

Question 2

For bacterial gingivitis

Answer 2

Mild disease

• chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash 10 mL bd for 10 d held in mouth for 1–2 mins or can be directly irrigated by a syringe

Acute ulcerative gingivitis (Vincent disorder)

• treat as for gingivitis
• antibiotics: metronidazole or tinidazole

Periodontitis

• treatment is meticulous dental care and mouth washes
• antibiotics rarely require