Do your teeth bleed when you brush your teeth? This could be a sign of gingivitis. How the diagnosis is made.
Clinical examination: The dentist can often detect gingivitis with the naked eye and confirm it by examining the teeth and gums. The depth of the gum pockets is also measured. Imaging procedures: An X-ray examination of the jaw may be necessary to detect bone loss in areas of deep pockets.Laboratory tests: A saliva test can provide information about whether the composition and flow rate of saliva promote gum inflammation.Examination of dental and medical history: The dentist examines the patient’s dental and medical history to identify possible conditions that may lead to the symptoms.Referral to specialists: If gingivitis is advanced, the dentist may refer the patient to a periodontist, a dentist with specialized training in treating gum disease.
Clinical examination
If you suspect inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis, you should see a dentist after a week at the latest. This usually first carries out a clinical examination. He takes a close look at your teeth and gums. He can detect gum inflammation with the naked eye.
Another important step in diagnosing gingivitis is measuring the pocket depth. The gap between the tooth and gums is measured using a fine probe. Normally the pocket should not be deeper than two to three millimeters. If the pocket is deeper, this may be an indication of gum pockets. These in turn often indicate periodontitis, a serious disease of the periodontium that must be treated. Gingivitis would therefore be ruled out.
Imaging procedures
In some cases it may be necessary to carry out further investigations. This may include an x-ray of the jaw. For example, the dentist can use X-ray images to determine whether bone has been lost in areas with deeper pockets. This would be another indication of advanced periodontitis.
Laboratory tests
Another possible test to diagnose gingivitis is a saliva test. With this test, the dentist can determine whether the composition and flow rate of saliva promote gingivitis. For example, a lack of certain enzymes in saliva can increase the risk of gingivitis.
Examination of dental and medical history
In addition to the direct examination of the gums and teeth, the patient’s dental and medical history also plays an important role in diagnosing gingivitis. The dentist will therefore ask the patient about possible diseases and conditions that could have led to the symptoms.
Referral to specialists
If the gum inflammation has already progressed, the dentist can refer the patient to a periodontist. This is a dentist who has completed additional training in the treatment of gum disease. The periodontist can then initiate specialized treatment to effectively combat gingivitis.
About the author
Lucia Windhoff is an experienced communications expert with a bachelor’s degree in media studies and art history as well as a master’s degree in communications management. She has diverse professional experience in different industries such as automotive, e-commerce and food. She has been at Burda Forward for almost three years, where she initially worked in campaign management for the health and lifestyle areas before moving to the health editorial team. There she deals intensively with various diseases and their causes, symptoms and prevention.
Important NOTE: This is just general information about diagnosing gingivitis. We do not claim to be complete. If you suspect gum inflammation, please see a dentist immediately. This information can never replace the advice of a doctor.