As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
What's Foreign Body Gingivitis and How Is It Treated?
Mabel Hicks
Gingivitis usually develops as a result of poor oral hygiene. Plaque accumulates on your teeth, and this plaque is rich in harmful bacteria. The bacteria then begin to affect your gums, causing irritation and inflammation. Regular, effective brushing should prevent plaque from forming, and your regular dental checkups will feature professional cleaning that will remove this plaque, which reverses gingivitis. Although it's rare, it's actually possible that plaque isn't the cause of your gingivitis.
Introduced to Your Mouth
Foreign body gingivitis is still the irritation and inflammation of your gums, but it's due to an irritant introduced to your mouth, as opposed to one that formed there (which is the case when plaque is the culprit). What types of foreign bodies can cause this, and what are they doing in your mouth in the first place?
Foreign Bodies
Any type of dental prophylaxis can be classified as a foreign body. This includes toothpaste. Although it's water-soluble, fragments of dried toothpaste could conceivably be introduced into your gingival tissues. Alternatively, particles of dental restoration materials (such as fillings) can detach from the restoration and become lodged in your gingival pocket. How can you tell the difference between standard gingivitis and foreign body gingivitis?
Irritation and Inflammation
It's rather difficult for anyone other than a dentist to make the distinction. Both forms of gingivitis result in irritation and inflammation, and if untreated, can lead to an infection. Without action, this infection can severely compromise your oral health and can even eventually lead to tooth loss. You might suspect foreign body gingivitis if you're attentive to your dental health, cannot see any plaque or other accumulation on your teeth, and yet are still experiencing the telltale signs of gingivitis. It will be necessary to see your dentist.
Reversing Foreign Body Gingivitis
If your dentist suspects foreign body gingivitis, they will thoroughly clean your teeth. They will also irrigate your gingival pockets to flush out any debris. They might also decide to introduce oral antimicrobials into your gingival pockets for extra surety. In some cases, a topical corticosteroid might be applied to reduce inflammation. Any dental restorations will be closely inspected to see if they were the culprit, and replacement might be needed for restorations that have deteriorated.
It's simple enough to treat foreign body gingivitis (and it's the same case with standard gingivitis). But treatment will definitely be needed since the issue will not go away without professional assistance.
To learn more, contact a local dentist.
Share