GINGIVITIS

Question 1

Definition of gingivitis

Answer 1

inflammation of the gingiva, producing bleeding with swelling, redness,
exudate, a change of normal contours, and occasionally, discomfort.

Question 2

Whats the most common cause of ginigivitis

Answer 2

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene which allows plaque to
accumulate between the gingiva and teeth (sulcus)

Question 3

Gingivitis also commonly occurs at what time lines

Answer 3

puberty, during menstruation and pregnancy, and at

menopause

Question 4

Do oral contraceptivies exacerbte inflammation

Answer 4

yes

Question 5

What is pericoronitis

Answer 5

acute, painful inflammation of the gingival flap over a partially erupted
tooth, usually around mandibular 3rd molars (wisdom teeth). often recurs as food gets trapped beneath the
flap. The gingival flap disappears when the tooth is fully erupted

Question 6

Chronic gingivitis, may evolve into

Answer 6

periodontitis

Question 7

Diagnosis

Answer 7

(1) Erythematous tissue at gum lines with loss of stippling that bleeds upon probing.
Tissue may be bulbous and have halitosis.
(2) Gingival sulcus depths <=3 mm are healthy or have gingivitis. Deeper pockets may
suggest periodontitis.
(3) Pain is usually absent, except in more extreme acute cases

Question 8

Treatment

Answer 8

(1) Personal oral hygiene
(2) Refer to dental for cleaning if unable to resolve with personal hygiene.
(3) Treatment for pericoronitis consists of removal of debris from under the gingival flap
via irrigation with saline, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorhexidine. Surgery to remove
tissue may be warranted. Abscess that develop should be I & D’ed.

Question 9

prevention

Answer 9

Daily removal of plaque with dental floss and a toothbrush and routine cleaning by a
dentist or hygienist at 6-mo to 1-ye intervals can help prevent gingivitis.