What is gingivitis
Dental gingivitis is an inflammatory gum disease caused basically by the accumulation of bacterial plaque in the gums. Gingivitis is a reversible disease if detected early and treated appropriately. your gums will return to their normal state.
Sometimes, gingivitis is not caused by bacterial plaque, but by other causes such as viral or fungal infections, allergies, other diseases (diabetes, leukemia, etc.), retained dental pieces, etc.
The greatest danger of gingivitis occurs when it is not treated in time and leads to periodontitis, which is a chronic disease of greater severity, more complex to treat and can cause the loss of some teeth.
What causes gingivitis
As mentioned above, one of the main causes of gingivitis is due to the effects of bacterial plaque deposits, an adhesive film composed mainly of bacteria, but also of saliva proteins, sugars and acids, (also a major cause of tooth decay) which accumulates on the teeth above and below the gums.
When plaque is not removed, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar (or calculus) that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, which become inflamed as the body’s natural immune response to invasion by foreign organisms.
Main symptoms of gingivitis:
Itching sensation, red, swollen, tender gums that bleed after brushing your teeth, and even bad breath are some of the most common symptoms of gingivitis.
- Swollen and red, white or purple gums, instead of their usual pink color.
- Bleeding gums during tooth brushing.
- Pain on touch
- Appearance of mouth ulcers.
Depending on the severity with which you suffer from this disease, you may notice one or more symptoms.
Risk factors for gingivitis
Gingivitis is a very common disease, most people have suffered from it at some time in their lives. Some of the factors that can increase the risk of suffering it are:
- Poor oral care
- Viral or fungal infection diseases
- Crooked teeth that are difficult to clean
- Smoking
- Poor diet and lack of vitamin C
- Crooked teeth that are difficult to clean
- Hormonal changes; for example, those related to pregnancy, menopause, or the use of birth control pills
- Genetics
- Age
If your teeth often bleed when you brush, you may be suffering from gingivitis. Make an appointment at your trusted dental clinic for a complete check-up. Prevention is the best remedy for oral diseases.
How to cure gingivitis
Gingivitis is a very common pathology, and it has a simple treatment. So you’re probably wondering…. How to cure gingivitis?
Gingivitis in its initial stage can be easily treated since there are usually no bacterial plaque accumulations below the gum line.
Treatment to address a case of mild gingivitis is a prophylaxis or professional oral hygiene to reduce inflammation and improve your oral health by removing all tartar and bacteria from the surface of your teeth and gums.
Once the professional oral cleaning has been performed, you should repeat it after 8 or 10 days approximately, to check and prevent it from reappearing. In the case of more severe gingivitis, the time frame is shortened..
Can gingivitis be prevented at home?
Gingivitis can be prevented at home through good daily dental hygiene. Brush your teeth three times a day and brush your teeth three times a day. flossing, to r