Gingivitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Gingivitis Definition

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gingivae. Gingivitis associated with bony changes is referred to as periodontitis. Gingivitis is an infectious disease of the gums which, if left untreated, can progress to periodontal disease. Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is when inflammation and infection destroy the tissues that support the teeth, including the gingiva, the periodontal ligaments, and the alveolar bone.

Certain germs have been thought to be involved, but the full story behind this long- known disease is still not clear. Although 70% of adult tooth loss is due to chronic, progressive gingivitis, the prognosis is generally favorable with appropriate treatment.

Gingivitis Causes

Gingivitis may be caused by the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque is a sticky material that develops on the exposed portions of the teeth, consisting of bacteria, mucus, and food debris. It is a major cause of tooth decay. Medications such as phenytoin and birth control pills, and ingestion of heavy metals such as lead and bismuth are also associated with gingivitis. Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is when inflammation and infection destroy the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums.

Gingivitis is usually develops during puberty or early adulthood due to hormonal changes and may persist or recur frequently, depending on how healthy your teeth and gums are. Acute membranous gingivitis goes by many other names including acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, fusospirillary gingivitis, fusospirillosis, and fusospirochetal gingivitis

Gingivitis Symptoms

A common gingivitis symptom is noticeable accumulations of tartar or plaque on the teeth. Another common gingivitis symptom is blood on the toothbrush while brushing teeth.

Signs and symptoms of Gingivitis may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Calculus may be seen on tooth surfaces. Some people may experience pain with chewing and teeth may be sensitive.

The symptoms of the gingivitis may be included:

• Mouth sores
• Swollen gums
• Bright red
• Tender gums
• Bad breath
• Shiny appearance to gums
• Bleeding gums
• pus around the teeth
• bad taste in your mouth

Gingivitis Treatments

Daily brushing and flossing and routine cleaning by a hygienist at regular intervals controls simple gingivitis.

The goal is to reduce the gingival inflammation. The teeth may be cleaned thoroughly by the dentist. This may involve various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth.

Antibacterial mouth rinses or other aids may be recommended in addition to frequent, careful, tooth brushing and flossing.

Treatments range from nonsurgical therapies that control bacterial growth to surgery to restore supportive tissues.

Some other ways to help prevent gingivitis are:

• Eating right to so you will have a healthy jawbone and teeth
• Avoiding cigarettes and other forms of tobacco