Ointments used to treat inflammation of the gums

introduction

Ointments that are used in the presence of inflammation of the gums can be purchased in pharmacies or health food stores.
When using them, however, it should be noted that such an ointment is part of the so-called complementary medicine and cannot be equated with professional treatment in the dental practice.
The best method to counteract gingivitis is to carry out a so-called professional teeth cleaning in combination with the optimization of the daily oral hygiene of the respective patient. Ointments can also be helpful and alleviate typical symptoms. However, they are unsuitable as the sole therapy for gingivitis.

Over-the-counter and prescription ointments for gingivitis

If there is inflammation of the gums, an ointment can help relieve the pain and help heal faster. The ointments are available in pharmacies, most of which can be used without a prescription.
Accordingly, the selection of possible ointments is very large. The best thing to do is to seek detailed advice from the pharmacy about which ointment is suitable for you and which ointments have had the best experience.

Many contain a small dose of local anesthetic to relieve pain. If the gum inflammation is treated by a dentist, which is recommended, he or she will, if necessary, prescribe a suitable ointment that is best for the patient in the specific case. The type of application must then also be designed according to his instructions, otherwise the instructions can be found in the package inserts.
In the case of more severe inflammations, such as ANUG, treatment with hydrogen peroxide may be necessary, the use of which must be prescribed by the dentist.

This fact can be explained by the fact that plant extracts such as sage, chamomile, and myrrh have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, ointment containing rhubarb root can have a calming effect on the inflamed gums and provide relief for the patient concerned.
In general, ointments used to treat gingivitis are applied to the affected area immediately after brushing your teeth and massaged in gently. The excess ointment should not be rinsed off afterwards. To increase the effect of the plant extracts, a mouth rinse with sea salt water can be carried out before application.

Due to the antibacterial effect of the salt, this measure causes a reduction in the bacterial colonization within the oral cavity. In addition, the sea salt solution has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. In patients who complain of pain in addition to bleeding gums and swelling of the tissue, the use of an analgesic ointment (e.g. Dynexan® oral gel) can also be useful.
Various home remedies can produce good results even with regular use.

Read more on the topic: Therapy for gingivitis

Lidocaine - numbing ointment

In addition to natural substances, many gum ointments also contain local anesthetics.
Lidocaine is a common ingredient in such. Lidocaine can inhibit the prostaglandin-controlled Na + channels and thus suppress pain.

Inflammation of the gums is usually not painful at first, so it often goes undetected. If there is pain, the inflammation is more advanced. Lidocaine would in this case relieve the pain, so that the patient's well-being improves. In addition to the soothing effect, the ointments also contain anti-inflammatory agents in order to be able to treat the inflammation of the gums quickly.

But this does not replace the thorough cleaning of the teeth, because only this is the most effective remedy against inflammation of the gums.
The numbing ointments have a calming effect, fight inflammation and suppress the uncomfortable feeling in the oral cavity.

Read more on the topic: Lidocaine

Kamillosan

Kamillosan is a natural remedy for inflammation. It is mainly used in the gastrointestinal, mouth and throat area. As the name suggests, it contains chamomile extracts. The Kamillosan products have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and improve wound healing. It also helps with mild cramps caused by the pain of inflammation.

Kamillosan offers the following products: If there is inflammation in the mouth area, the concentrate is best. It contains 42.8% alcohol and thus kills the bacteria. Hold the solution in your mouth for 60 seconds and gargle in your mouth and throat. At the same time, it helps against a diseased and irritated throat.

The mouth and throat spray with only 25% alcohol is specially designed for inflammation in the mouth. It is suitable for children or people for whom the concentrate is too strong. Thanks to the long handle, it can be applied precisely to the inflamed and painful areas.

Also read: Home remedies for gum inflammation

Homeopathic ointment

Gum inflammation should definitely be examined by a dentist.
Herbal and homeopathic remedies are suitable for additional therapy to accelerate healing. If the gums are bleeding, an ointment containing Mercurius Solubilis should be used. If there is also pain, Silicea is suitable. Since these ointments are rare and also not so tasty, one should rather fall back on homeopathic globules or use herbal gels that contain sage or chamomile extracts. Such are for example propolis ointments or the periodontal mouth ointment.

Ointment for children

When children are teething, there is often small inflammation in the area of ​​the gums. Dentinox helps against pain and to relieve inflammation. It also facilitates and accelerates tooth eruption. In children, one should be careful with herbal remedies. Most gels or solutions have a high percentage of alcohol. Although this is not dangerous for the child, the tincture is often too "hot" for the child, so that the application time is not sufficient.

If the child can tolerate the ointment, they can use the same as the adults. Nevertheless, the child should be examined by the dentist. Because if you already suffer from gingivitis as a child, it can be an aggressive form that is not easy to treat with herbal remedies.

Information about gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums (technical term: Gingivitis) is one of the most common diseases in the oral cavity. In dental terminology, this term describes the presence of inflammatory processes that affect the gum tissue and which can have serious consequences. The gums are anatomically classified as part of the so-called periodontal structures, but from a purely technical point of view, gum inflammation must be differentiated from periodontitis.
However, this strict demarcation turns out to be increasingly difficult in everyday practice. The fact is that between the gingivitis and a "real“Periodontal disease is causally related.

The fact that inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the periodontium are preceded in almost all cases by an inflammation of the gums that has not been treated for a long period of time proves this connection.
The reason for the development of gingivitis is usually a lack of or simply carelessly performed oral hygiene. In the course of this, soft plaque is deposited on the tooth surface and in the area of ​​the gum line. Bacteria or other pathogens living within the oral cavity can penetrate deeply through the smallest gaps between the tooth and the gum and there irritate the tissue by secreting various metabolic end products. The organism reacts to this condition by releasing various inflammatory mediators and increasing tissue blood flow.

Deep protrusions of the gums develop in the early stages of the disease (Gingival pockets), which can hardly or no longer be cleaned with the toothbrush and therefore quickly increase in volume. The most important measure to prevent gum inflammation from the outset is to learn an adequate tooth brushing technique that is tailored to the respective patient. Especially the optimized cleaning of the interdental spaces (Interdental spaces) and the edge areas between tooth substance and gum is of particular relevance.

In addition to poor oral hygiene, there are other factors that have a negative effect on the health of the gums and can lead to the development of inflammatory processes. These factors include, for example, a genetic predisposition (predisposition), which has already been proven in extensive studies. In addition, patients who frequently inhale through the mouth are particularly at risk. The consumption of nicotine and alcohol is also considered a serious risk factor.

Classic gingivitis is one of the most common diseases of all. It is estimated that every third patient from the age of around 40 suffers from inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the gums. However, most people do not have gingivitis spread over their entire gums. In the majority of the observed cases, only isolated areas are affected.

Areas that are difficult to access during dental care (bridges, crowns, narrow spaces, nesting of teeth) are particularly at risk.

Read more on the topic: dental care

When do you have to go to the dentist if you have gum inflammation?

Gum inflammation can go undetected for a long time because it usually does not cause pain. At first signs, such as redness or blood in the toothpaste saliva, it is advisable to see a dentist now.
The longer you delay the visit, the more inflamed the gums can become and the more time therapy can take.

Often times, inflammation of the gums is a sign that oral hygiene is inadequate, even if it is believed to be good. A visit to the dentist is also advisable in order to improve your toothbrushing technique and thus counteract renewed inflammation.

A professional teeth cleaning is also carried out there, which cleans hard-to-reach areas. Of course, it is also possible to buy an ointment in the pharmacy and use it if you suspect gum inflammation. This only alleviates the symptoms, but cannot combat the cause. If there is no change, the dentist should also be visited.
If you want to be on the safe side, you should keep the regular check-up appointments and make an appointment if you are uncertain, because only there can a qualified diagnosis and treatment be undertaken.

Read more on the topic: What helps with inflammation of the gums?

What should be considered during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, inflammation of the gums can increase due to the changed hormone balance.
During this time, the bacteria have an easier time causing inflammation of the gums, so that good and adequate teeth cleaning is essential.
If the gums become inflamed, it is best to see a dentist, as they can treat it professionally.

Ointments can also be used during this time, but one should pay attention to the ingredients and ask the pharmacist or dentist. Since many ointments contain local anesthetics, such as the well-known "Dynexan oral gel" with the ingredient lidocaine, special care must be taken and only used if the dentist deems it absolutely necessary.
Lidocaine crosses the placenta and can be absorbed by the fetal tissue. The further consequences are not yet known. The instruction leaflets always contain important information on use during pregnancy.

Alternatively, natural substances can be used during this time in order to avoid risks, such as regular rinsing with sage or chamomile, or a specially prepared mouthwash solution made from sea salt.

It is best to only use an ointment in consultation with a doctor. This also applies to breastfeeding.

Please also read: Local anesthetics in pregnancy