Inflammation of the gums is a very common condition, according to data from SEPA (Spanish Association of Periodontics and Osseointegration) almost 60% of Spaniards suffer from gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and up to 25% suffer from periodontitis.
It is important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly.
Gingivitis is the most common and mild form of gum disease or periodontal disease. It usually causes irritation, redness and inflammation of the part of the gums surrounding the base of the teeth. Gingivitis can lead to much more serious gum disease, called “periodontitis,” and tooth loss.
If gingivitis is not treated properly, it can weaken the seal between the gums and teeth. This allows spaces or pockets to appear that can develop into one of the most serious forms of gingival disease: periodontitis, which is irreversible and can cause tooth loss.
Symptoms of gingivitis
If you have swollen gums it is usually easy to see because the symptoms are quite clear. Inflammation of the gums usually begins at the junction with the tooth. Gingivitis or inflamed gums produce more sensitivity and pain as the inflammation increases. Brushing the teeth in most cases causes discomfort, and flossing will cause bleeding of the gums in the area.
The most frequent symptoms of gingivitis and are:
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Excess Sensitivity
- Purple, deep red coloration
When gingivitis is aggravated
- Halitosis or bad breath
- Bleeding
- Chewing discomfort
- Feeling of tooth mobility or tooth growth
- Recession of the gums: tooth root becomes visible
Why gums become inflamed:
The most frequent causes that can lead to gingival inflammation is the lack of oral hygiene, which causes the accumulation of bacterial plaque, but there may also be other reasons such as
- Virus (HIV) or fungus infection
- Malnutrition or poor eating habits
- Improperly fitted dentures or other dental appliances
- Sensitivity to toothpaste or mouth rinse
- Scurvy due to lack of vitamin C
- Side effect of a drug
- Side effect of a drug
- Hormonal alterations during pregnancy, adolescence or with certain pharmacological treatments.
- Smoking, osteoporosis or diabetes and family history
If the gum inflammation is caused by a hormonal, viral, diabetic or nutritional cause, the prevention will be to control the pathology associated with gingival inflammation.
If the cause of inflamed gums is the accumulation of bacterial plaque in the mouth, proper oral hygiene will play a fundamental role in reducing the amount of bacterial plaque in the mouth and solving the gingival problem.
It is important to say that proper oral hygiene is not just about brushing your teeth three times a day.
At RASLAN, your dental clinic in Barcelona, we classify oral hygiene in 3 sections: optimal, adequate and poor.
Optimal oral hygiene is one in which the patient correctly manages the brushing technique, brushing time, brushing adjuvants and understands the protocols set by his or her dentist and hygienist.
Adequate hygiene is the one that due to a condition, the cleaning of the mouth must be performed in a specific way with certain brushes, toothpastes, special mouthwashes, irrigators.
Lack of oral hygiene can lead to more serious pathologies with negative consequences for the mouth.
How to prevent gum inflammation
The best way to prevent gum inflammation is through good oral care and regular visits to your dentist to check the condition of your teeth and have them professionally cleaned.
To maintain a healthy mouth it is important to floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day. Doing it after every meal is even better. These small steps will help you avoid the plaque buildup that causes gum problems.
However, even with excellent oral care at home, plaque can harden into tartar. Therefore, it is very important to visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Practices such as healthy eating including fruits and vegetables. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and if you have diabetes, blood sugar control are also important for maintaining good gum health.
What to take if my gums are swollen
If you have inflamed gums, there are a number of remedies that will help you improve the discomfort caused by gingivitis.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water. Salt helps to reduce gum inflammation and relieve the pain that accompanies it.
- core/list-item Use a suitable toothpaste and mouthwash. There are many options on the market with chlorhexidine, as it is a powerful antiseptic, triclosan or others.
- You can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, which can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Gently massaging aloe vera on your gums will help, as it is anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and mildly antiseptic.
- Eating cold, soft foods can help reduce inflammation and soothe pain.
- Schedule a visit to your dentist. Poorly treated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which requires much longer and more costly treatment.
View more information about periodontitis treatment
As you can see, gum inflammation is something that affects many people and if it is not treated in time it can lead to periodontitis, a disease that can cause teeth to fall out.
In many cases, gingivitis has its origin in poor oral hygiene, but it can have other causes, so it is important to visit your