Gingivitis is a disease that causes irritation, redness and swelling in the part of the gum surrounding the base of the tooth. It is usually caused by a layer of plaque or bacterial buildup on the teeth. It is necessary to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. Because gingivitis can lead to a much more serious type of gum disease and tooth loss called periodontitis, also known as gum recession.
What Are the Causes of Gum Inflammation?
The most common cause of gingivitis is known as poor oral hygiene. When oral hygiene is not provided, plaque forms on the teeth. Plaques cause tartar formation. Here’s how tartar causes gingivitis:
Plaque formation on teeth: Plaque is a sticky film formed as a result of the interaction of bacteria in the mouth with substances such as starch and sugar in foods. Plaque needs to be cleaned daily as it re-forms quickly. This is possible with regular tooth brushing.
Turning of plaques into tartar: When teeth are not brushed regularly; The plaque that accumulates on the teeth hardens below the gum line, producing bacteria and turning into tartar. Tartar makes plaque removal difficult, creates a protective shield for bacteria, and causes irritation along the gum line. Professional dental cleaning is required to get rid of tartar.
Gingivitis: The longer the plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, the more irritated the gum surrounding the base of the teeth becomes, which leads to inflammation. Over time, the gums swell and begin to bleed easily. Tooth decay can also occur. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis or even tooth loss.
Other Factors and Risk Factors Causing Gum Inflammation:
Changes in hormones: Hormonal changes during puberty, menopause, the menstrual cycle and pregnancy make the gums more sensitive and increase the risk of inflammation.
Some chronic diseases: People with certain chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and HIV are more likely to experience gingivitis than people without chronic diseases.
Use of cigarettes and other tobacco products: Regular smokers develop gingivitis more often than non-smokers.
Age: The risk of gingivitis increases with age.
Bad eating habits: Unhealthy eating habits can cause oral and dental diseases. For example, vitamin C deficiency can lead to gum disease.
Stress: Stress is also among the causes of gingivitis. Constant stress can weaken the immune system and negatively affect fighting infections, including gingivitis.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Inflammation?
Healthy gums are pale pink in color and firm. In the period when gingivitis is mild, people may not have discomfort or obvious symptoms. The signs and symptoms of gingivitis are as follows:
Swollen or puffy-looking gums
Bright red gums
Teeth bleeding easily when brushing or flossing
bad breath
gum recession
sensitive gums
What Happens If Gingivitis Is Not Treated?
Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss, or gum recession. Gingival recession (periodontitis) is an extremely important gum disease that destroys the soft tissues and bone that connect the tooth with the mouth. Gingivitis can recur if left untreated. Some research indicates that the bacteria responsible for gum recession can enter the bloodstream from the gum tissue and affect organs such as the heart and lungs.
Gingivitis, how is it treated?
Treatment of gingivitis varies depending on the patient’s condition and the underlying causes of the disease. The dentist determines the most appropriate treatment for the patient, and the earlier the diagnosis is made, the easier the gingivitis is treated. In the treatment of gingivitis, depending on the patient’s condition, antibiotic use, professional dental cleaning and surgical treatment are recommended.
How to Prevent Gingival Inflammation?
To prevent gingivitis, it is necessary to pay attention to oral hygiene. Habits such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups can help prevent and reverse gingivitis. Some suggestions for preventing gingivitis are listed below:
It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before going to bed.
It is recommended to floss at least once a day.
Using an anti-gingivitis mouthwash is effective in preventing cavities.
It is recommended to visit the dentist at least once a year for dental cleaning.
Annual dental x-ray, do it visually
It can help identify diseases that cannot be seen in a dental examination and monitor changes in dental health.
It is recommended to replace the toothbrush every 3 months because old toothbrushes are not effective enough to remove plaque.
Gum Inflammation
Inadequate oral hygiene, nutritional habits and many different factors; It can trigger tooth and gum diseases. For this reason, experts recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and seeing a specialist dentist at least once a year. As a matter of fact, the number of people who have problems such as dental and gum disease is quite high today. One of the most common problems is gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, it can cause more serious diseases. What is gingivitis, what are its symptoms and treatment methods?