Management of Plaque-Induced Gingivitis

• What is gingivitis?


  Plaque-induced gingival inflammation confined to the gingival tissueswhich is highly prevalent,largely painless& completely reversible
• What are the signs & symptoms of gingivitis?

  -Inflammation of gingiva

  -Erythema (redness)

  -Oedema (swelling)

  -Absence of stippling on attached gingiva

  -Bleeding on probing

  -Bleeding on brushing
• What is periodontitis & what is it characterised by?

  -Irreversible destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth

  -Apical migration of the junctional epithelium

  -Alveolar bone loss
• What are the key signs of periodontitis?

  -Pocket formation

  -Gingival recession (receding gums)

  -Tooth mobility/tooth drifting
• What are the aims in the management of plaque-induced gingivitis?

  Reduce gingival inflammation, restore gingival health
• How is plaque-induced gingivitis managed?

  We need to remove the plaque:

  -Supragingival scaling, professional cleaning to remove plaque and calculus.

  -Eliminate/modify local plaque retentive factors

  -Deliver oral hygiene instructions

  -Smoking cessation advice (if a smoker)
• What does the patient need to do in order to restore gingival health?

  -Improve plaque control by using better brushing techniques

  -Use interdental aids

  -Be motivated to give up habits such as smoking.
• What instruments can be used in the professional removal of supragingival calculus?

  Manual instruments: scalers & curettes

  Powered instruments: sonic/ultrasonic instruments, piezoelectric
• How would you ensure that the patient is managing their plaque control?

  Deliver OHI succinctly

  Demonstrate to the patient and get them to show you

  Review their plaque control (should be at least 20%) at subsequent visits