Gingivitis: Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that occurs due to plaque buildup and, if left untreated, can cause a severe ailment known as periodontitis.

How is Gingivitis Diagnosed?

To diagnose Gingivitis, you would need to visit a dentist, who will use a dental instrument such as a probe to check for:

• Gum inflammation

• Measure the pocket depth between the teeth and gum. A normal pocket depth measure between 1-3mm. If infected, the pocket depth measures over 4mm.

The dentist will also review if any past medical history to understand about any underlying medical condition. They might also conduct dental X-rays to understand the extent of damage.

A doctor will give marks on the gingival index, where

• 0 is normal

• 1 is a mild infection with no bleeding

• 2 is a moderate infection with slight bleeding

• 3 is a severe infection with ulcers and spontaneous bleeding

Treatment Options for Gingivitis

Early detection and proper treatment can help restore your healthy smile.

Primary treatment includes dental cleaning to remove the plaque and calculus. This can be done by following techniques like scaling, dental planing, and lasers. The doctor may also prescribe a medicated mouthwash, if required. You can avoid plague formation by brushing twice daily and with regular flossing. You should avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. For patients with dentures or dental implants, they can get additional help from their periodontist, if required.

If gingivitis is caused by medication, then get in touch with your primary caregiver. You might also have to take antibiotics to deal with severe infection.