Periodontology: Treatment of gingivitis & periodontitis

The term periodontology encompasses all forms of treatment of the periodontal tissue (periodontium) – for example, gingivitis and periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontal ligament, i.e. the jawbone, gums and periodontal membrane).

Temporary gum inflammation is harmless in itself, but can quickly become chronic and develop into periodontitis.
This often initially leads to bleeding and receding gums. Gum pockets may develop and sometimes even toothache, as the affected teeth become particularly sensitive.
If left untreated, periodontitis (often referred to as periodontal disease) usually leads to tooth loosening and can ultimately even result in tooth loss. Because it affects the entire periodontal ligament, the consequences are often noticeable throughout the entire oral cavity.
Furthermore, periodontitis can promote serious systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes and carries an increased risk of premature birth during pregnancy.

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Periodontology: Treatment of gingivitis & periodontitis

Temporary gum inflammation is harmless in itself, but can quickly become chronic and develop into periodontitis.
This often initially leads to bleeding and receding gums. Gum pockets may develop and sometimes even toothache, as the affected teeth become particularly sensitive.
If left untreated, periodontitis (often referred to as periodontal disease) usually leads to tooth loosening and can ultimately even result in tooth loss. Because it affects the entire periodontal ligament, the consequences are often noticeable throughout the entire oral cavity.
Furthermore, periodontitis can promote serious systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes and carries an increased risk of premature birth during pregnancy.

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Causes that promote gingivitis

The human mouth is colonized by approximately 500 different species of bacteria. They normally form the healthy oral flora. If the oral flora becomes unbalanced, gingivitis is a risk. A common cause of such an imbalance, i.e., a bacterial disease, is inadequate oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene creates plaque, a layer of bacteria that protects and allows bacteria to multiply unhindered. They produce toxins that attack the gums (and also cause tooth decay) and must be combated by the body’s immune system: The body reacts with inflammation. Plaque can also promote the formation of tartar. This should therefore be regularly removed by a professional dental hygiene, as otherwise tartar can also cause gingivitis.

Another possible cause of gingivitis is excessive mechanical stress on the gums (for example, if the teeth are brushed with too much pressure).

Possible risk factors:

General risk factors for gingivitis can include:

excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco (nicotine)
diabetes mellitus
drug use
hormonal changes (e.g., during puberty or pregnancy)
certain medications such as hydantoin derivatives (e.g., phenytoin for epilepsy), nifedipine preparations (e.g., for high blood pressure, angina pectoris), cyclosporine A (e.g., for transplants), and others
metabolic disorders
stresss
vitamin deficiency (e.g., vitamin C)

Typical symptoms that indicate gingivitis

Acute gingivitis is characterized by several typical symptoms. Healthy gums are light pink in color, adhere tightly to the teeth, and do not bleed under (moderate) pressure. In contrast, acutely inflamed gums are characterized by:

reddened and possibly swollen
less firm/spongy
gums bleed more quickly

Does inflamed gums necessarily cause toothache?

Early stages of gingivitis often don’t cause immediate toothache. This can develop later on. Therefore, many patients unfortunately don’t notice the first symptoms of gingivitis early enough in their daily routine. What symptoms can you look out for in your teeth?

Rare severe manifestations:

In very severe cases, such as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), symptoms such as fever, severe pain, bad breath, and fatigue also occur. ANUG leads to the formation of ulcers in the mouth and gum death. It is very aggressive, but fortunately, very rare.

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What to do if your gums are inflamed?

In the case of temporary discomfort, you can contribute a lot to a quick improvement and support the treatment of the gingivitis that your dentist carries out:

Do not interrupt dental care

The most important thing is to continue your dental care routine even if your gums are sore or bleeding, and to brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. First, use a soft toothbrush to avoid causing additional mechanical damage to your gums.

Use dental floss and interdental brushes

In addition to brushing your teeth, we also highly recommend using dental floss and, if necessary, interdental brushes. This helps clean the spaces between your teeth, where plaque can build up and is inaccessible to your toothbrush.

Clean tongue

Also clean your tongue. You can use special tongue cleaners such as tongue scrapers, or you can use your toothbrush.

How to prevent gingivitis:

You should generally incorporate the above-mentioned tips for brushing your teeth at home into your routine to prevent gingivitis. It is also recommended that you have a professional dental cleaning at your dentist’s office at least once a year. This will help remove stubborn plaque from between your teeth, along the edges of your teeth, and especially under the gums that you cannot remove yourself.

Personal lifestyle supports healthy gums

A balanced, low-sugar diet with sufficient vitamin C supports gum health. Avoiding smoking, strengthening the immune system through exercise, getting enough sleep, and a healthy diet, as well as reducing stress, also helps prevent gingivitis.

With all these measures, you worsen the living conditions of unwanted bacterial colonization and thus create favorable conditions for healthy gums and optimal oral health.

When should you see a dentist because of gingivitis?

If you have gingivitis, you should see a dentist if the symptoms do not improve within a few days or even worsen despite thorough oral hygiene. You should take early signs such as redness, swelling, or bleeding gums seriously, especially if they occur repeatedly. Pain, receding gums, or unpleasant bad breath indicate advanced gingivitis or possible periodontitis. If teeth become loose or pus forms, a visit to the dentist is essential, as more serious gum disease is usually present.

Use home remedies only for relief until professional treatment is required

There are some home remedies that can temporarily help relieve the symptoms of gingivitis until you can see your dentist.
Aloe vera, honey, or propolis can have short-term anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Rinses with salt water, water with a few drops of tea tree oil, or well-brewed cold tea made from chamomile, sage, or peppermint can also provide gentle relief.
However, they are not a substitute for professional treatment of gingivitis by your dentist. A visit to the dentist is necessary to treat the cause of the inflammation and prevent further complications for your teeth in the long term.

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Counteract periodontitis early

If you have gingivitis, contact us early. We will help you quickly regain healthy gums and prevent periodontitis and all its negative consequences from developing. Your dentists in Zug will also be happy to provide you with detailed, individualized advice on oral hygiene and dental care, as well as on the use of other possible aids such as medicated mouthwashes, etc.

Periodontology: Treatment of gingivitis & periodontitis

Prevent chronic complaints – prevent further consequences

Periodontology: Treatment of gingivitis & periodontitis

Prevent chronic complaints – prevent further consequences

Causes that promote gingivitis

Possible risk factors:

Typical symptoms that indicate gingivitis

Does inflamed gums necessarily cause toothache?

Rare severe manifestations:

What to do if your gums are inflamed?

How to prevent gingivitis:

Personal lifestyle supports healthy gums

When should you see a dentist because of gingivitis?

Use home remedies only for relief until professional treatment is required

Counteract periodontitis early

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