gum disease

Question 1

Gum diseases are … conditions

Answer 1

inflammatory

Question 2

what is gingivitis caused by

Answer 2

Mostly caused by bacteria build up in dental plaque

Question 3

Characteristics of gingivitis

Answer 3

Does not affect support for teeth
Usually mild
Can be reversible

Question 4

what tissues does chronic periodontitis involve

Answer 4

supporting tissues around teeth

Question 5

characteristics of periodintits

Answer 5

Largely irreversible tissue damage
Slowly progressive
Tissue and bone damage, tooth loosens

Question 6

note: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that affects the gums, while periodontitis is

Answer 6

a more advanced stage that affects the gums and the bones

Question 7

gingivitis:

progression:

Answer 7

Normal build up of plaque each day (Normal brushing should remove each day)

Question 8

why does not brushing cause gingivitis

Answer 8

• Bacteria produces calculus if built up over a few days
• Sticks to teeth holding bacteria close
• Enzymes and toxins released cause inflammation in gingiva (gum)
• Over years mild damage results in a pocket forming between tooth and gum
• Then tooth root erodes and tooth comes loose-periodontitis

Question 9

calculus/tartar =

Answer 9

hardened dental plauque

Question 10

signs and symptoms of gingivitis

Answer 10

Inflammation of gum
Swollen, red and sore
Bleeds easily on mild trauma – bleedings with brushing, flossing, or eating hard food.
Plaque visibility
No fever, or malaise.

Question 10

suspect periodontitis if what following symptoms are there?

Answer 10

Halitosis, foul taste in mouth, difficulty eating, pain
Gum recession or root sensitivity.
Loosening or drifting of teeth
Sign of infection – abscess/puss

Question 11

epidomology behind it

Different studies show varying percentages
Some degree of gingivitis in what % of adults

Answer 11

50-90%

Question 12

what leads to an increased risk of gingivitis

Answer 12

Poor nutrition
Ineffective oral hygiene
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Smoking
Immunocompromised
Age
Drugs causing dry mouth
Stress
Local factors

Question 13

questioning to deal with possible gingivitis:

Answer 13

1. Confirm symptoms – consistent with gingivitis?
2. Bleeding – with or without trauma
3. No trauma = likely periodontitis so refer
4. Toothbrushing technique
5. Too vigorous = gums bleed
6. Other medicines E.g. warfarin, heparins, NSAIDs / phenytoin s/e = can cause more bleeding or gum swelling/hypertrophy

Question 14

differential diagnosis options rather than it:

Answer 14

• oral malignancy
• hepatic gingivostomatitis (viral)
• allergic reactions
• platelet disorder
• denture associated trauma

Question 15

treatment:

• toothbrush advice to give to a patient with gingivitis?

Answer 15

brush 2x a day, preferably an electric toothbrush and fluoride containing toothpaste

Question 16

what medication and advice to give

Answer 16

Chlorhexidine mouthwash 0.2% corsodyl mouthwash - 10ml for 1 minute 2x a day, spit out, use within 3 months of opening, store below 25 degrees.

Question 17

possible side effects of corsodyl mouth wash that = u should stop

Answer 17

rash, tongue swelling, irritation of the mouth

• short term use due to staining risk too