Gingivitis is considered as a common and mild form of gum (periodontal) disease that causes redness, irritation, and swelling of a person’s gingiva, the part of gum around the teeth’s base. It is a form of gum disease that takes place when plaque, a naturally-occurring sticky film persisting bacteria, builds up on the teeth and creates the inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue.
Plaque is responsible for producing toxins which irritate the gums. It can cause the gums to become inflamed, developing them red or puffy, and even causing them to bleed. These injurious plaque bacteria can even result in creating issues beyond gingivitis like weakened tooth enamel.
It is very important to take care of your gum line even with regular brushing because a healthy mouth starts there. Prevention from diseases like gingivitis is necessary as an institution has stated a report that this dental condition is linked with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and stroke. Though, it hasn’t been shown to cause them.
Some major causes of gingivitis have been mentioned below.
Whether the thing is about gingivitis or any other dental disease, one of the key aspects for a healthier mouth is to brush for at least two minutes twice in a day, in the morning time and before going to bed at night. Try to floss at least once a day. It will be better to brush after every meal or snack if your dentist recommends. Flossing before brushing gives the advantage to clean the loosened food particles as well as bacteria.
Try to visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for cleanings, usually between six to twelve months. If someone has a risk factor which increases the chance of developing periodontitis, like having dry mouth, consuming different medications or smoking, they might need professional cleaning more often.
Performing good health practices like healthy eating or managing blood sugar if someone has diabetes can also lead towards maintaining gum health.
Maintaining good oral habits, like brushing at least twice a day, getting regular checkups or flossing daily can eventually help in preventing and reversing gingivitis. Along with that, try to use anti-gingivitis toothpaste; the toothpaste should be able to clear plaque from both gum line and teeth.
Many kinds of toothpaste are there which neutralize plaque bacteria around the gum line and are clinically proven to provide healthier gums. However, gingivitis can be treated with the help of different measures like deep cleaning the teeth, with the help of antibiotic medications and surgery.
Different techniques are used which can be implemented to deep clean the teeth without surgery. Root planning removes both plaque and tartar from the root surface and smoothes rough spots. As compared to scaling and root planning, lasers may remove tartar with less bleeding and pain.
Antiseptic mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine can be useful in disinfecting the mouth. Oral antibiotics are also there to treat persistent sides of gum inflammation. Doxycycline is an antibiotic which can help keep enzymes from causing damage in teeth. There is a procedure named as flap surgery in which the gums are lifted back while tartar and plaque are removed from deeper pockets. Tissue and bone grafts can also be used when jaw and teeth are too damaged to heal.
Untreated gingivitis can lead towards gum disease which spreads to underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a more complicated condition that can lead to tooth loss. Chronic gingiva inflammation has been thought to be linked with various systemic diseases like diabetes, respiratory disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Even some research states that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can make an appearance in the bloodstream with the help of gum tissue that possibly affects the heart, lungs and several parts of the body.
Deficiency of Vitamin-C is linked to gum disease as well. Those whose parent or parents have had this disease earlier have a risk of developing it too.
