Browse Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness, and swelling (inflammation) of your gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. It’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. Gingivitis can lead to much more serious gum disease called periodontitis and tooth loss.

Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form on teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues. Here are some of the primary causes:

• Plaque Buildup: Plaque is an invisible, sticky film composed mainly of bacteria that forms on your teeth when sugars and starches in food interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. Plaque requires daily removal because it re-forms quickly.
• Tartar Formation: Plaque that stays on your teeth can harden under your gumline into tartar (calculus), which collects bacteria. Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove, creates a protective shield for bacteria, and causes irritation along the gumline.
• Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones, such as those related to pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can make gums more sensitive, increasing the risk of gingivitis.
• Medical Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV are linked to a higher risk of developing gingivitis.
• Medications: Some medications can affect oral health because they reduce saliva flow, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

The symptoms of gingivitis can be quite mild, so it’s possible to have gingivitis without knowing it. However, the condition can still progress to more serious gum disease. Common symptoms include:

• Swollen or Puffy Gums: Gums may appear red and swollen.
• Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
• Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
• Receding Gums: Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
• Tender Gums: Gums that are tender to the touch.

Treatment of Gingivitis

The primary goal of treatment is to control the infection. The treatment options include:

• Professional Dental Cleaning: Your dentist or dental hygienist will remove all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacterial products. This is known as scaling and root planing.
• Dental Restoration: Misaligned teeth or poorly fitting crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations may irritate your gums and make it harder to remove plaque during daily oral care.
• Oral Hygiene Practices: Improved daily oral care, including brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day, can help prevent plaque buildup.
• Medications: In some cases, your dentist may prescribe medications to help treat gingivitis. For instance, using products like Biotene Oral Balance Gel can help manage symptoms by keeping your mouth moist and reducing irritation.

Prevention of Gingivitis

Preventing gingivitis is straightforward with good oral hygiene practices. Here are some tips to help prevent gingivitis:

• Brush Your Teeth: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective at removing plaque and tartar.
• Floss Daily: Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth.
• Regular Dental Visits: Visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for cleanings, usually every six to twelve months.
• Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals. Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
• Avoid Tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco increases your risk of gum disease.

By maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly, you can prevent gingivitis and maintain healthy gums. If you suspect you have gingivitis, it’s important to seek treatment promptly to prevent progression to more serious gum disease.