Inflammation of the gums, otherwise called the gingiva, is known as gingivitis. It usually results from the accumulation of plaque (soft deposit on teeth that contains bacteria) on tooth surfaces. Gingivitis does not harm the connective tissue and ligaments around the teeth, but if left untreated, it can destroy these structures and result in periodontitis.
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I have minor gum disease. Is rinsing with saltwater enough, or should I use a mouthwash?
Query: Hello doctor, I have a minor gum disease for which the dentist recommended rinsing with saltwater in the evening after brushing. Is that right? Is it true that saltwater washes away the fluoride? Is it better to use a medicated mouthwash for one week during the day? Is brushing twice, flossing, usin... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your reports (attachments removed to protect the patients' identity) suggest that you have gum diseases and fluorosis. The findings are suggestive of generalized chronic gingivitis, dental caries, and the presence of plaque or calculus. Periodontal involvement might ... Read Full »
How long will the pain persist after teeth cleaning?
Query: Hello doctor, I went to the dentist last week and was diagnosed with gingivitis around the lower incisors due to them being slightly crooked. He cleaned them thoroughly. Now after a week, I am still in pain. How long can I expect to be in pain until it subsides and my gums are back to normal? I ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Usually, gingivitis would take one week to heal completely after a thorough cleaning but it might slightly vary between individuals. It is good that you are following the oral hygiene measures. Because you say, there is persistent pain I suspect it to be a referred pa... Read Full »
My gums are squishy following COVID. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, I do not have bleeding gums. My gums seem squishy, but I can not tell if it is my gums or tongue? I brush & floss regularly. I read to use peroxide, warm water, salt, or baking soda but not sure how to use it. The squishiness is driving me crazy. What can I do in the interim until ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I will help you solve the issue. The gums may become weak and soft in case of gingivitis; though brushing and flossing are regularly done, the calculus deposits are seen and develop into gingivitis. I advise you to do scaling; scaling should be done once a year. I nee... Read Full »
I have sensitivity and swollen gums in the lower teeth. Help me.
Query: Hello doctor,I am a 56-year-old female. My gums in the lower jaw are swollen and red, and I have sensitivity in the lower front teeth. I regularly do vigorous brushing. I am diabetic and take medications for it. What is the reason for my swollen and red gums?Kindly help. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for your query. I understand your concern. Gum inflammation is a common sign in diabetics, especially the swelling of the gingiva and periodontal disease. It may even lead to bone loss also in the future. What are the medications you are taking? Any other med... Read Full »
I have gum swelling with white areas, red veins, and bleeding during brushing. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor,Is it possible for gingivitis to cause teeth to become twisted or crooked? I have noticed that my gums are swollen around my teeth, with some parts appearing white with red veins. I also have bleeding when I brush. I have been using my asthma inhaler frequently, but I recently discovere... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your first query consult is on us! Swollen gums could result from gum inflammation caused by a gum infection. If the infection spreads to the underlying bone, it may lead to attachment loss and loosening of teeth, possibly causing them to become crooked. I suggest you... Read Full »
My gum bleeding stopped with Metrogyl and Tan X ointment. Will it recur?
Query: Hi doctor, I have been getting bleeding from the gums for the past month. It is generalized. When I get up, maximum blood comes from my mouth in the morning. It is better to rest of the day. I did a salt water rinse and applied Tan X ointment, but nothing helped. I started taking Metrogyl 400 mg twi... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Inflammation of gums is called gingivitis, and bleeding gums are one of the symptoms of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a microbial disease with many causes that cause the microbial flora to flourish in the mouth. I would advise you to visit your dentist and do scaling (cl... Read Full »
Do I have gingivitis or more advanced gum disease?
Query: Hello doctor,I am wondering if I have gingivitis or more advanced gum disease? My gums are red, a little more so than you can tell in the picture, inflamed, and somewhat sensitive. I have been brushing and flossing twice or three times a day. Is it possible for me to reverse these symptoms at home? ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Gingivitis is easily reversible, but at least a dentist's cleaning of teeth and gums has to be performed every six months or a year. This helps in removing calculus and plaque buildup. It will not go away just by brushing or flossing. Use warm salt water gargle, ... Read Full »
How to treat gum swelling and bleeding?
Query: Hi doctor, From two to three weeks I have been experiencing buccal bleeding. I have inflamed gingiva behind one of the upper teeth. I can sense the lump with my tongue on the gum. I went to the dentist and he told me that it was gingivitis and he gave me a special mouthwash for gingivitis. But, I do... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The photos are not at all clear to give exact diagnosis (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You should start taking antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Metronidazole for five days to reduce the gum swelling. If you can buy medicine over-the-counter then buy t... Read Full »
What is the cause and solution for bleeding gums?
Query: Hi doctor,Every morning while I brush, I notice bleeding from my gums. I do not have any pain. What is the possible cause and solution? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. The most common cause of bleeding from gums is inflammation of the gums, otherwise called as gingivitis which leads to periodontitis if left untreated. The reason to develop gingivitis is mostly associated with oral hygiene and oral hygien... Read Full »
Is that grayish color of gum a form of gingivitis?
Query: Hi doctor, I have a grayish patch above my teeth. I have attached some pictures here. Initially, there was a pink spot just above the teeth, and then it turned gray. Under my upper lip, it is dark pink or red. Is this a form of gingivitis? In the morning, I am getting brown saliva. Also, I am gettin... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It is just some pigmentation of gums for which you need not worry as it is due to some physiological change in the epithelium of gingiva. The grayish area has more melanin pigmentation than usual, ... Read Full »