Inflammation of the gums, which become swollen and red, and are prone to bleeding. It is caused by excessive deposits on the teeth of plaque, consisting of food debris, mucus, and bacteria. Plaque irritates the gums, which become prone to infection. The infection can spread to the tissues and bone that support the teeth, ultimately resulting in their loss. Prevention is by good oral hygiene
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums (gingiva) around the teeth. Gingivitis may be caused by a build up of plaque and tartar due to improper cleaning of teeth, or by injury to the gums from over-vigorous brushing. Brushing teeth thoroughly, but gently, with toothpaste and flossing with dental floss are the best ways to prevent gingivitis.
Causes
Gingivitis is usually caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates in the spaces between the gums and the teeth and in calculus (tartar)that forms on the teeth. These accumulations may be tiny, even microscopic, but the bacteria in them produce foreign chemicals and toxins that cause inflammation of the gums around the teeth. This inflammation can, over the years, cause deep pockets between the teeth and gums and loss of bone around teeth otherwise known as periodontitis. Since the bone in the jaws holds the teeth into the jaws, the loss of bone can cause teeth over the years to become loose and eventually to fall out. Regular cleanings (correctly termed periodontal debridement, scaling or root planing) below the gum line, best accomplished professionally by a dental hygienist or dentist, disrupt this plaque biofilm and remove plaque retentive calculus (tartar) to help prevent inflammation. Ideally, scientific studies show that all people with deep periodontal pockets (greater than 5mm) should have their gums cleaned by a dental hygienist or dentist every 3-4 months. People with a healthy periodontium (gums, bone and ligament)or people with gingivitis only require periodontal debridement every 6 months. However, many dental professionals only recommend periodontal debridement (cleanings) every 6 months, because this has been the standard advice for decades, and because the benefits of regular periodontal debridement (cleanings) are too subtle for many patients to notice without regular education from the dental hygienist or dentist. If the inflammation in the gums becomes especially well-developed, it can invade the gums and allow tiny amounts of bacteria and bacterial toxins to enter the bloodstream. Fortunately, this can be cured with a 1-week dose of Metronidazole antibiotic, followed by a deep cleaning of the gums by a dental hygienist or dentist and reduction of risk factors such as stress.
When the teeth are not cleaned properly by regular brushing and flossing, bacterial plaque accumulates, and becomes mineralized by calcium and other minerals in the saliva transforming it into a hard material called calculus (tartar) which harbors bacteria and irritates the gingiva (gums). Alternatively, excessive injury to the gums caused by very vigorous brushing may lead to recession, inflammation and infection. Pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and the onset of puberty increase the risk of gingivitis, due to hormonal changes that may increase the susceptibility of the gums or alter the composition of the dentogingival microflora. ]]
Symptoms
The symptoms of gingivitis are as follows:
Swollen gums Mouth sores Bright-red, or purple gums Shiny gums Gums that are painless, except when touched Gums that bleed easily, even with gentle brushing Gums that itch with varying degrees of severity Receding gumlinePrevention
Gingivitis can be prevented through regular oral hygiene that includes daily brushing and flossing.
Treatment
A dentist or dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. The removal of plaque and calculus is usually not painful, and the inflammation of the gums should be gone between one and two weeks.
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