What is plaque induced gingivitis?
Plaque-induced Gingivitis is an inflammatory response of the gingivae to plaque bacteria.
The most common type of this is chronic marginal gingivitis.
Symptoms and clinical features of gingivitis
- Chronic gingivitis is asymptomatic, low-grade inflammation of the gingivae
- Gums become red slightly swollen and bleed on slight touch
Treatment for plaque induced gingivitis
Non-drug treatment
- Oral hygiene instructions should be given to patients
- Scaling and polishing should be done.
- Use antiseptic mouthwashes
- e.g. chlorhexidine gluconate 2% three times daily for 1-2 weeks
- Hexetidine mouthwashes to alternate with warm saline mouthwashes
Drug treatment
A. Analgesics
Paracetamol
Adult: 1g orally every 8hours for 3-5days
Child:
- 1-5years: 125-250mg,
- 6-12 years 250-500mg orally every 8 hours
B. Antibiotics
Amoxicillin
Adult: 250 mg orally every 8 hours for 5 days
Child:
- 1 month – 1 year: 62.5 mg orally every 8 hours; dose doubled in severe infections
- 1-5 years: 125 mg every 8 hours;
- 5-12 years: 250mg 8 hourly;
- 12 – 18 years: 500 mg 8 hourly; all doses doubled in severe infections
Metronidazole
Adult: 200 mg orally every 8 hours for 5 days
Child:
- 1-3years: 50 mg orally every 8 hours for 3 days;
- 3-7 years: 100 mg every 12 hours;
- 7-10 years: 100 mg every 8 hours.
Adverse drug reactions, caution
Metronidazole: nausea, vomiting and metallic taste. It is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Avoid alcohol during treatment with metronidazole, and for at least 48 hours after treatment.
Prevention of gingivitis
- Oral health education.
- Scaling and polishing every six months