Gingivitis

• Caused by plaque—remove and clean by dentist

• Use dental floss regularly (twice a day)

• Brush carefully at gumline with Sensodyne (pink) or similar toothpaste

• Perform gum massage between thumb and index finger

• Use chlorhexidine 0.2% or 0.12% aqueous solution, Listerine mouthwash or dilute hydrogen peroxide

For bacterial gingivitis

• Mild disease

  • – chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash 10 mL bd for 10 d held in mouth for 1–2 mins or can be directly irrigated by a syringe

• Acute ulcerative gingivitis (Vincent disorder)

  • – treat as for gingivitis

  • – antibiotics: metronidazole or tinidazole

• Periodontitis

  • – treatment is meticulous dental care and mouth washes

  • – antibiotics rarely required