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Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a dental disease that also affects the gums, hence a periodontal disease. The main characteristic of this disease is bleeding from the gums, which is caused due to inflammation. This could be because of the gums and ligaments that underline the teeth getting infected by microbial action, especially the action of bacteria. The term gingivitis actually means the infection of the gingiva , which is the space in which the teeth are embedded. –itis is a common suffix in medical parlance that means infection.

If ignored, gingivitis may cause a person to lose their teeth. Also, if the condition is not checked in time, there is a high risk of it spreading to other areas of the mouth, especially the neighboring dental structures, which also then have a chance of getting irrevocably damaged.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is immediately apparent as changes in the gums . The gums that are subjected to this condition become sore and very sensitive to touch. They do not usually feel painful, but the pain may make itself felt when the gums are pressed. Brushing and flossing become difficult without aggravating the condition of the gums. In a short time, the gums swell up and start bleeding.

The color of the gums also undergoes a change, prior to the actual bleeding starts. The gums become raw and tender. This converts them from their original pink color to a bloody red color.

Most people who suffer from gingivitis also suffer from halitosis .

It must be noted that gingivitis in itself is not painful. The gums will not pain as such, until and unless they are pressed. Hence it is necessary to press and check if there is pain in any gum, especially if their color begins to redden.

Causes of Gingivitis

The main cause of gingivitis is bacterial infection . When the bacteria makes their presence felt in the dental plaque , a protective mechanism is set up by the immune system of the body. This system tries to destroy the bacteria, but ends up aggravating the condition of the gums. That is the reason the gums get the inflammation which is known as gingivitis.

There are certain factors that can exacerbate the presence of gingivitis. Common factors include smoking, diabetes, growing older and certain diseases. Gingivitis is often an indication of poor oral and dental hygiene .

Treatment and Prevention of Gingivitis

Since gingivitis is caused due to poor oral and dental hygiene , a regular visit to a dental hygienist can prevent the onset of this condition. The dental hygienist removes any presence of plaque on the teeth, even the most stubborn plaque, which does not allow the bacteria to breed on the teeth. This is one of the best ways to prevent this condition.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is extremely important. This includes brushing and flossing on a regular basis. Food should never be allowed to stay on the teeth, especially overnight. Tongue cleaning is also important as it can harbor bacteria.

Dry mouth should be prevented as it is known to help bacteria to survive in the mouth. Keeping the mouth continuously moist and avoiding smoking are ways in which you can prevent this condition if you are prone to it. Gingivitis has a genetic predisposition; hence, people with a family history of this condition must be extra careful.