Gingivitis

Question 1

Symptoms?

Answer 1

• Bad breath
• Unpleasant taste in mouth
• Puss collection around the gym
• Bleeding / reddening OR painful gums
• Swelling of Gum margins
• Constant metallic taste in mouth
• Gums appear longer than before (receding from tooth)

Question 2

Questions to ask patients?

Answer 2

• Do your feel painful or tender when brushing?
• When do you feel discomfort in your gums?
• Do you floss when brushing?
• Have you noticed any bad breathe?
• Have you noticed red or bleeding gums?
• Any metallic taste in the mouth?
• Any difficulty swallowing or talking?
• Have you noticed your gums becoming longer between your teeth? (Receding gums)

Question 3

Red flags?

Answer 3

Bleeding and painful gums

Bad breathe

Painful ulcers

Metallic taste in the mouth

Difficulty swallowing or talking

A fever

Receding gums in between the teeth

Question 4

Treatment?

Answer 4

Paracetamol or Ibuprofen:
P - 500mg 4 times a day when required
I - initially 300-400 3-4 times a day

Corsodyl (chlorhexidine):
Rinse of gargle 10ml twice daily for about 1 minute

Hydrogen peroxide (6%):
Rinse of gargle 15ml 2-3 times a day for 2-3 minutes, tonne diluted in half a timber full of warm water

Question 5

Cautions?

Answer 5

Paracetamol - do not take any other drugs that contain paracetamol, to avoid overdose.
Avoid in those with kidney problems

Corsodyl - not for children under 12 years

Hydrogen peroxide - avoid in patients with body cavities and deep wounds