Inflammatory infiltrate in response to the accumulation of undisturbed dental plaque next to the gingival margin
Causes
- Mixed anaerobic and aerobic oral flora, e.g., Streptococcus viridans, facultative streptococci; fusiform bacteria,
spirochaetes, viruses, fungi - Chemicals
- Poor oral hygiene with increase in plaque accumulation
Clinical features
- Swelling and erythema of the gingival margins which bleed on brushing
- Plaque and calculus (tartar) deposits adjacent to the gingival margins
MANAGEMENT
General measures
Rinse mouth with mouthwash 3 times a day
- Warm salt solution (5 ml spoonful of salt in 200 ml warm water)
- Or hydrogen peroxide solution 6%, (add 15 ml to a 200 ml cup of warm water)
- Or chlorhexidine solution 0.2%
Medicine
- Paracetamol 1 g every 8 hours
Child: 10-15 mg/kg every 8 hours - Or Ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours
Child: 7-13 mg/kg every 8 hours
If systemic signs and symptoms present, give a 5-day course of an antibiotic:
- Metronidazole 400 mg every 8 hours
Child: 10-12.5 mg/kg (max 200 mg per dose) every 8 hours - Or Amoxicillin 500 mg every 8 hours
Child: Amoxicillin Dispersible tablets 25 mg/kg every 8 hours - Refer to a dentist for scaling, root planing and polishing, to remove plaque and calculus deposits
Caution
- Avoid metronidazole in 1st trimester of pregnancy