Gingivitis: What's Gingivitis, risk factor, symptoms, causes, treatment. All you need to know about

Gingivitis

 

 

 

🔴 Definition of Gingivitis:

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums (gingiva).

 

-         Alternative Names: Gum disease; Periodontal disease.

 

🔴 Symptoms:

People may experience:

Mouth: bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, receding gums, tooth loss, toothache, or ulcers

Also common: dental plaque or redness

 

 

🔴 Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

 

 - Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets (alveolar bone).

 

- Gingivitis is due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque is a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that develops on the exposed parts of the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth decay. If you do not remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums.

 

- Bacteria and the toxinsthey produce cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender. Injury to the gums from any cause, including overly vigorous brushing or flossing of the teeth, can cause gingivitis.

 

 

🔴🔴🔴 The following raise your risk for developing gingivitis:

 

1-General illness

2-Poor dental hygiene

3-Pregnancy (hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the gums)

4-Uncontrolled diabetes

5-Misaligned teeth, rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances (such as braces, dentures, bridges, and crowns) can irritate the gums and increase the risk of gingivitis.

 

 

---- 🔴 Medications such as phenytoin and birth control pills, and heavy metals such as lead and bismuth are also associated with gingivitis.

 

----- 🔴 Many people have gingivitis to a varying degree. It usually develops during puberty or early adulthood due to hormonal changes and may persist or recur frequently, depending on the health of your teeth and gums.

 

 

🔴 🔴 🔴 Treatments:

If diagnosis happens early, and if treatment is prompt and proper, gingivitis can be successfully reversed.

Treatment involves care by a dental professional, and follow-up procedures carried out by the patient at home.

Professional dental care

Plaque and tartar are removed. This is known as scaling. This can be uncomfortable, especially if tartar build-up is extensive, or the gums are very sensitive.

The dental professional will explain the importance of oral hygiene and how to brush and floss effectively.

Follow-up appointments may be recommended, with more frequent cleanings if necessary.

Fixing any damaged teeth also contributes to oral hygiene.

Some dental problems, such as crooked teeth, badly fitted crowns or bridges, may make it harder to properly remove plaque and tartar. They may also irritate the gums.

Care at home

People are advised to:

- brush teeth at least twice a day.

- use an electric toothbrush.

- floss teeth at least once a day.

- regularly rinse mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.

- A dentist can recommend a suitable brush and mouthwash.

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