Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis are:
Swelling, redness, pain, and bleeding of the gums are signs of gingivitis.
The breath begins to take on a foul odor.
The gums begin to lose their normal structure and color. The gums, which were once strong and pink, begin to recede and take on a beefy red, inflamed color.
Inflammation—a complex system by which bacteria-fighting cells of the body are recruited to an area of bacterial infection—plays a major role in gingivitis. It is this inflammation of the gums that accounts for most of the symptoms of gingivitis.
When bacteria first begin to invade the gums, proteins present in the saliva and soft tissues called antibodies coat the bacteria and weaken it making it an easy target for the body's immune system. The cells that encounter the bacteria first attempt to kill it and, in the mean time, release chemicals into the bloodstream to call other cells to their aid.
One particular cell called a macrophage is responsible for ingesting the bacteria and dissolving it with chemicals. This system works nicely, but it is not terribly efficient. While the invading bacteria are destroyed, chemicals used by the immune system cells to kill them are spilled into the surrounding tissues. This not only kills the bacteria but damages the nearby connective tissues and cells of the gums as well.
The body sees this inflammation as a small price to pay for stopping the bacteria. This process will continue until the source of the infection is removed.
The best home care for gingivitis is prevention.
Regular dental visits to remove plaque build-up are necessary to combat gingivitis.
Once a dentist removes plaque, regular brushing and flossing will minimize plaque formation. Even with good dental hygiene, plaque will begin to accumulate again.
When to call the Doctor:
For simple gingivitis, work with your dentist. A concerted effort between good home dental hygiene and regular dental visits should be all that is required to treat and prevent gingivitis. If gingivitis continues despite the effort to prevent it, contact your doctor to investigate the possibility of an underlying illness.
2006-12-31 05:33:14
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answer #1
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answered by Caregirl 3
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As a Dental Assistant I can tell you that the signs of gingivitis can be bleeding gums however that can also be from brushing to hard. The main signs of gingivitis can be red swollen gums along the gum line and sensitivity to the touch, such as with a tooth brush or floss.
To get rid of it you need to brush your teeth at least 2 a day however 3 times is best and you need to make sure you are flossing at least 1 a day however 2 is best. Also using a mouth wash such as crest alcohol free or Listerine both work just fine one without the burning. And something simple you can do while driving or sitting around is to massage your gums, I know that sound funny but it helps remove any food that may have gotten trapped in the gum line although that is not an excuse to not brush and floss.
If you let this problem continued it turns into Periodontal Disease which is irreversible and causes many more problems such as teeth falling out your jaw being eatting away so always remember prevention is always key!
2006-12-31 06:03:48
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva (gums). The gums normally look coral pink and have a very sharp border where they meet the tooth. When they are inflammed (infected/swollen) and you have gingivitis, the begin to look red/dark purple and can start to swell so the part that touches your tooth doesn't look smooth and sharp but looks blunted and swollen instead. Also bleeding when you brush and floss is a symptom of gingivitis.
The way to get rid of it:
1) brush for 2-3 minutes 2-3 times per day (after every meal). Brush all surfaces of teeth - not just the biting surface or front, but also the backs!
2) floss a MINIMUM of 3-5 times per week (preferrable 1 time per day). Flossing helps remove infective plaque that brushing misses between your teeth.
3) Mouthwash is a good additional therapy, but cannot replace brushing and flossing (i.e. if you don't brush and floss, mouthwash won't do anything for you). So if you want to use a mouthwash you can use a non-alcoholic (so it won't burn) or cut the rinse with half water/half mouthwash.
4) see your dentist/hygienist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning. They will get the stuff you miss and the stuff that is too stuck on your teeth for you to get off with a toothbrush/floss (tartar).
2006-12-31 05:37:27
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answer #3
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answered by r_smart2001 2
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Gingivitis is characterized by slightly swollen and sensitive gums that bleed while brushing, flossing, even eating hard foods like an apple. The only thing for it is to take good care of your teeth - brush 2 to 3 times a day, floss and I have a great mouthwash from Ecodent that I get at the Whole Foods. It's all natural and herbal and very minty. Use that as directed on the bottle and you will be right as rain in a week or 2.
Peace!
2006-12-31 05:32:31
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answer #4
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answered by carole 7
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The symptoms of gingivitis are as follows:
Swollen gums
Mouth sores
Bright-red, or purple gums
Shiny gums
Gums that are painless, except when touched
Gums that bleed easily, even with gentle brushing
Gums that itch with varying degrees of severity
Receding gumline
Gingivitis Treatment
The goal is to reduce the gingival inflammation. The teeth are cleaned thoroughly by the dentist or dental hygienist. This may involve various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth (scaling).
Meticulous oral hygiene is necessary after professional tooth cleaning. The dentist or hygienist will demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques. Professional tooth cleaning in addition to brushing and flossing may be recommended twice per year or more frequently for severe cases. Antibacterial mouth rinses or other aids may be recommended in addition to frequent, careful, tooth brushing and flossing.
Repair of misaligned teeth or replacement of dental and orthodontic appliances may be recommended. Any other related illnesses or conditions should be treated.
2006-12-31 05:34:02
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answer #5
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answered by Java edd: 1-17-10 2
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Signs: red sore gums instead of healthy pink, gums that bleed easily when brushing, flossing, and sometimes eating. Yea, gingivitis is gross. To get rid of it, first see a dentist ASAP for a cleaning. Then brush more carefully 2x a day and floss at least once a day, and use mouthwash after each brushing. Follow these tips everyday after your dental appt.
2006-12-31 12:49:56
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answer #6
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answered by Bob 3
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Bleeding gums, Your gums are very sensitive. Flossing helps and brushing atleat 2 times a day. Also when you do brush, make sure it is atleat 4 minutes.
Gums are moderately inflamed
Gums are sensitive to touch
Gums bleed easily while brushing, flossing, or probing
Gums might itch
Bad breath might be present
2006-12-31 08:28:01
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answer #7
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answered by Nattiedred 3
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Well if its red and bleeds alot when you brush...theres a gingivitis tooth paste that might help.. and now a days theres a lot of tooth paste to prevent ginivitis..I have colgate total, but I would sugguest for you to see a doctor if its severe.
2006-12-31 05:40:29
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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The signs are the doctor tells you that you have gingivitis and how he/she tells you how to get rid of it is how to getrid of it.
2006-12-31 05:30:44
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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signs- abnormal gum color and gum pain..look at ur gums compare them to someone elses gum color they should be alike..plus if they hurt in anyway ur gums could be infected...
get rid of it--- u need to brush ur teeth espicially if ur gums bleed..it gets worse as u dont brush and floss correctly...do everything the dentist tells u to do after ur checkup and u should be able to rid of it in a few weeks
if its severe u can get medications in liquid or even gum! but thats if its really bad
2006-12-31 05:31:43
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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