Management of Plaque-Induced Gingivitis

Question 1

What is gingivitis?

Answer 1

Plaque-induced gingival inflammation confined to the gingival tissues which is highly prevalent, largely painless & completely reversible.

Question 2

What are the signs & symptoms of gingivitis?

Answer 2

-Inflammation of gingiva
-Erythema (redness)
-Oedema (swelling)
-Absence of stippling on attached gingiva
-Bleeding on probing
-Bleeding on brushing

Question 3

What is periodontitis & what is it characterised by?

Answer 3

-Irreversible destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth

-Apical migration of the junctional epithelium

-Alveolar bone loss

Question 4

What are the key signs of periodontitis?

Answer 4

-Pocket formation

-Gingival recession (receding gums)

-Tooth mobility/tooth drifting

Question 5

What are the aims in the management of plaque-induced gingivitis?

Answer 5

Reduce gingival inflammation, restore gingival health

Question 6

How is plaque-induced gingivitis managed?

Answer 6

look at the slides

Question 7

What instruments can be used in the professional removal of supragingival calculus?

Answer 7

Manual instruments: scalers & curettes

Powered instruments: sonic/ultrasonic instruments, piezoelectric

Question 7

How would you ensure that the patient is managing their plaque control?

Answer 7

-Deliver OHI succinctly

-Demonstrate to the patient and get them to show you

-Review their plaque control at subsequent visits