Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums is also known as gingivitis in medical terminology . These are inflammatory processes caused by bacteria affecting the gums. Typical signs of gingivitis are swelling and bleeding of the gums ( bleeding gums ). The most common cause of gingivitis is poor mud hygiene.
What is gingivitis?
Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by bacteria . The most obvious symptoms of this disease are swollen and reddened gums as well as bleeding gums . Inflammation of the gums, on the other hand, causes hardly any pain.
In severe cases, chronic gingivitis can develop into periodontitis (irreparable damage to the periodontium and jawbone). If inflammation persists for a long time (chronic gingivitis), there is a risk of irreversible damage to teeth and jawbones ( periodontitis ).
Gingivitis is a widespread disease – after all, around 70 percent of the German population show signs of gingivitis.causes
The main cause of gingivitis is usually poor oral hygiene. If this oral care is neglected, bacteria form – which in turn lead to inflammation of the gums.These bacteria multiply very quickly – gum inflammation can therefore occur within a few days. Mechanical causes, such as an injury to the gums, are far less common.
However, gingivitis can develop during pregnancy , during puberty and also in connection with certain diseases such as diabetes . In these cases, the reason is usually certain hormones.
Malnutrition and smoking can also be triggers for this disease, as can a lack of vitamin C. Incidentally, if the teeth are too close together, the risk of gingivitis is particularly high.
However, stress or allergies can also trigger gingivitis. Poorly fitted dentures or toothbrushes that are too hard can also cause this disease.
symptoms and course
Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Since it is often the precursor to periodontitis, an inflammation of the bony periodontium, it should never be ignored. The symptoms of gingivitis are initially only mild and are therefore often overlooked. First, there is swelling of the affected area.
These gums begin to turn dark red compared to the light pink of healthy gums. In the beginning there is usually no pain, not even when touched.
The most obvious symptom is bleeding gums, which can occur when brushing your teeth or biting into an apple. But this symptom can also be quickly overlooked or does not occur in smokers whose oral mucosa has poor blood circulation.
Furthermore, in the case of gingivitis, the affected teeth are often covered with a yellowish film. The causative bacteria can continue to multiply particularly well in this coating.
If the first symptoms are ignored and the gum inflammation lasts longer, the gums slowly recede. This can be seen from the longer-acting teeth due to the exposed tooth necks.
Chronic gingivitis can also lead to toothache and increased bad breath. In addition, pus can form in the affected areas and surrounding lymph nodes can swell.
As gingivitis progresses, the gums recede and pockets can form under the gums. The inflammation spreads to the bony periodontium. The affected teeth loosen and there is a risk of misaligned teeth or even tooth loss. Another possible secondary disease of gingivitis in addition to periodontitis can be inflammation of the oral mucosa, so-called gingivostomatitis.
Diagnose
Inflamed gums are usually red and swollen, which the dentist can see with the naked eye. In addition, it already bleeds when brushing your teeth and during the oral check-up. However, if the blood flow is reduced, the color of the gums does not provide any clear information about gingivitis.
If this is the case, the dentist uses a measuring probe to check the connection between the gums and the teeth. Healthy gums adhere firmly to the teeth. In the case of gingivitis, so-called pockets develop and the dentist can penetrate more than two to three millimeters with the probe.
In addition, an X-ray can be used to determine the extent to which the non-visible part of the tooth or the jawbones have already been affected. The causative bacteria can be identified with microbiological tests. This is important because the cause is crucial for the success of the therapy.
If there are cases of chronic gingivitis in the family, a genetic test will provide information as to whether there is a hereditary predisposition.complications
Gingivitis is a phenomenon that occurs frequently. It usually heals spontaneously and completely. This is especially the case when it is caused by harsh mechanical irritation, either by using a toothbrush that is too hard, or by biting into a very solid food.
In some cases, however, gingivitis is associated with undesirable complications. This is especially the case if the infection is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Inflammation of the gums can be part of periodontitis, in which bacterial inflammation can endanger the stability of the periodontium. Tooth loss is a consequence that is one of the most serious complications of gingivitis.
Treatment of periodontitis is standard in dental practices. The dentist is also the right contact person for gingivitis. However, therapies do not always work as desired. This is the case when not all bacteria can be eliminated and the patient’s cooperation in terms of consistent oral hygiene is not as consistent as would be desirable. This can result in root inflammation and tooth loss, and smokers in particular can be particularly affected by these complications.
Another complication of gingivitis affects the heart. If bacteria that cause gingivitis get into the bloodstream, as can be the case with bleeding gums, the heart valves can be damaged, for example. Rheumatic diseases can also be triggered by these bacteria.
treatment and therapy
The treatment of gingivitis is so important because if left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis , which in the worst case could result in tooth loss.
Before the actual treatment, the dentist must first remove any plaque and tartar that may be present. The dentist also checks whether the gums are healthy and pale pink in color – if the gums are swollen, this usually indicates gingivitis.
The firmness of the gums, on the other hand, can be tested with a probe. The actual treatment usually consists of the administration of mouthwashes, which prevent the bacteria from spreading. In addition, the patient is asked to pay attention to regular and sufficient oral and dental care.
If this advice is followed, the bleeding gums will usually stop after a few days. If the gingivitis does not go away with these measures, other causes may have to be ruled out.
prevention
The best prevention against gingivitis is adequate oral care and hygiene. Not only regular brushing is part of this oral care, the use of dental floss and mouthwash should also be on the daily schedule.You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. The mouthwash chlorhexidine is particularly recommended because it contains active ingredients that inhibit bacteria.
However, these mouthwashes should not be used for longer than a total of two to three weeks, as they can easily cause discoloration of the gums or a change in taste. By the way, you can test whether the oral care of the individual is sufficient with so-called plaque staining tablets, which are commercially available.
Since too little salivation can also be the trigger for gingivitis, you should eat foods that have to be chewed well. These include, for example, carrots or apples. Don’t forget to have your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist’s once or twice a year.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.