Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. Usually, its cause is the accumulation of dental plaque. The disease is often treatable by improving oral hygiene. The main symptoms of gingivitis are a change in the color of the gums and their bleeding.
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that usually causes mild symptoms. However, the disease can progress to a more severe condition if a person does not treat its root cause. The accumulation of bacteria around the teeth is the most common cause of gingivitis.
The main symptom of gingivitis is red, swollen gums that may bleed when a person brushes their teeth. Gingivitis is often treated with good oral hygiene, such as brushing longer and more often and flossing regularly.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a non-destructive and mild type of periodontitis. Gingivitis does not cause bone loss, but it is important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it early. Gingivitis is very common. Almost half of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease.
There are two main types of gingivitis.
Plaque-induced gingivitis occurs when plaque buildup irritates the gums, leading to inflammation, discoloration, and pain.
Gum lesions that are not caused by plaque can be the result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Allergic reactions, illnesses, and reactions to foreign bodies can also cause this type of gingivitis.
Both types of gingivitis can progress to periodontitis if a person does not treat them properly. Periodontitis is a more serious disease and can lead to further complications such as tooth loss.
Causes of gingivitis
The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of bacterial plaque between and around the teeth.
Plaque is a biofilm that naturally accumulates on the teeth. This happens when bacteria sticks to the smooth surfaces of the teeth. This plaque can harden and turn into tartar near the gums. Only dentists can remove tartar. Plaque and tartar build-up can trigger immune reactions that lead to the destruction of gum tissue. Over time, this can lead to further complications, including tooth loss.
Other causes and risk factors
Several underlying diseases and external factors can increase the risk of plaque or gingivitis.
- Hormonal changes: This can happen during puberty, menopause, the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The gums can become more sensitive, which increases the risk of inflammation.
- Certain diseases: cancer, diabetes and HIV are associated with a higher risk of gingivitis.
- Medications: Medications that reduce saliva production can affect oral health. Medicines for epilepsy and angina can also cause abnormal growth of gum tissue, increasing the risk of inflammation.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) is closely associated with gingivitis, as are vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies.
- Smoking: Regular smokers are more likely to have gingivitis than non-smokers.
- Age: The risk of gingivitis increases with age.
- Family history: People whose parents have had gingivitis also have a higher risk of developing it.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis:
- inflammation and discoloration of the gums;
- sensitive gums and a feeling of pain when touching them;
- bleeding from the gums during tooth brushing;
- bad breath;
- soft gums;
- the gums recede from the teeth (gingival recession).
However, in mild cases of gingivitis, there may be no discomfort or noticeable symptoms.
Very rarely, gingivitis can cause fever, especially in its acute ulcerative-necrotic form. An increase in temperature is associated with damage to the submandibular lymph nodes. Intense pain, especially sharp pain, is also associated with this rare form of gingivitis.
Diagnostics
The dentist will check for symptoms such as plaque and tartar in the mouth. The doctor may also order tests to check for signs of periodontitis. This can be done using an X-ray or periodontal probing, which measures the depth of the periodontal pocket around the tooth.
Treatment
If the diagnosis is made at an early stage, a person will be able to treat gingivitis at home by maintaining proper oral hygiene.
However, if symptoms persist or the condition affects a person’s quality of life, professional help should be sought.
Treatment often includes dental care and follow-up procedures that the patient performs at home. The dentist can first remove plaque or tartar, i.e. perform a professional hygienic cleaning of the teeth.
Prevention
A person can prevent gingivitis at home by practicing regular good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day with a toothbrush and flossing at least once a day.
Complication
Treating gingivitis and following your dentist’s instructions can usually prevent complications. However, gum disease can spread and affect the tissues, teeth, and bones if left untreated.
Complications include:
- abscess or infection of the gums or jawbone;
- periodontitis is a more serious disease that can lead to bone and tooth loss;
- recurrent oral gingivitis, when a bacterial infection leads to ulceration of the gums.
Gingivitis is a common type of gum disease. This is the result of a build-up of bacteria on the teeth that irritates the tissue around the gums and can cause them to become inflamed, discolored and painful to the touch. Most people can treat gingivitis with regular oral hygiene. Regular examinations at the dentist can help detect signs of gum disease and treat them in time.