Gingivitis - irritation of the gums around the teath

Gingivitis is an irritation of the gums around the teath. It is usually caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates in the small gaps between the gums and the teeth .It is also known as Gum disease and periodontal disease.

Causes:

The primary cause of chronic gingivitis is inadequate oral hygiene. Bacteria play a role in all forms of gingivitis.Other causes are: Viral and fungal infections,lack of vitamin C,B and calcium defficiency poor immune system,gums injury,people with leukemia, hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, puberty, and steroid therapy leave the gums vulnerable to bacterial infection,a number of medications used for seizures, high blood pressure, and organ transplants can suppress the immune system and change the structure of the gums enough to permit bacterial infection.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of gingivitis are as follows:Swollen gums ,bright-red, or purple gums, Shiny gums,Severe oral odor ,gums that itch with varying degrees of severity Swelling, redness, pain, and bleeding of the gums are signs of gingivitis. The breath begins to take on a foul odor.

Treatment:

Oral hygein is important.Anti-bacterial rinses or mouthwash, in particular chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% solution, may reduce the swelling and local mouth gels which are usually antiseptic and anaesthetic can help.Drug used are:pencillin VK(Veetids), Erythromycin (EES, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), Minocycline microspheres (Arestin), Doxycycline (Periostat), Clindamycin (Cleocin),Chlorhexidine 0.12% oral rinse (PerioGard),Acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol #3), Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin), Lidocaine viscous 2% (Dilocaine).

Prevention:

Good oral hygiene is essential.proper brushing and flossing to remove plaque and debris and control tartar buildup ,eat proper nutrition ,avoiding cigarettes and other forms of tobacco, mouth wash using a saline solution (water and salt) or chlorhexidine,regular dental visits to remove plaque build-up,antiplaque or antitartar toothpastes or mouth rinses may be recommended by the dentist or dental hygienist.

Alternative medicine

Homeopathic treatment includes:EchinaceamAngustifolia for symptoms of minor infection,weakness or tiredness.Hypercium Perforatum if symptoms occur such as nerve pain, post operation pain, lacerations, toothache.Nutritional Supplements such as Coenzyme Q10,Hyaluronic acid ,Vitamin C plus flavonoids, Calcium, flavonoids, Folic acid (in pill form),Herbs include:bloodroot plus zinc (toothpaste),mouthwash containing sage oil, peppermint oil, menthol, chamomile tincture, expressed juice from echinesia, myrrh tincture, clove oil, and caraway oil,Neem,Chamomile



Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/

http://www.mayoclinic.com

http://www.nlm.nih.gov

http://www.stevedds.com/

http://www.emedicine.com/

http://www.colgate.com/

http://www.essortment.com/

http://www.peacefulmind.com/

http://www.peacehealth.org/