If you suffer from gum disease, then learning about the causes and treatment of gingivitis will help you better understand and prevent the it in the future. Gingivitis occurs when a film of plaque, or bacteria, accumulates on the teeth. According to the American Dental Association, gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, a more severe infection known as periodontitis will take hold. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Unfortunately, dental diseases can be expensive. The best approach is preventative dental care at home and ensuring you book the recommended bi-annual dental cleaning.
Understanding Gingivitis: Causes and Treatment
Symptoms of gingivitis include red and puffy gums, tender gums that bleed easily when brushing your teeth, receding gums, and halitosis. Fortunately, gingivitis can be remedied with improved oral hygiene. Some steps you can take include longer and more frequent brushing, and more frequent flossing. Also, you may want to include an antiseptic mouthwash to help.
In mild cases of gingivitis, patients may not even know they have it. However, the condition should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as extreme pain or bleeding, see your dentist – because Untreated gingivitis may produce more pressing health problems.
Types of Gingivitis
Understanding gingivitis classification is necessary for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. There are two main classifications of gingival diseases:
Dental plaque-induced gingival disease:
Usually, plaque-induced gingivitis is caused by plaque, systemic factors, medications, or malnutrition. In other words, dental plaque-induced gingivitis is entirely preventable.
Non-plaque induced gingival lesions:
A particular bacterium, virus, or fungus cause this. Non-plaque induced gingivitis can be caused by genetic factors, systemic conditions (including allergic reactions and certain illnesses), wounds, or reactions to foreign bodies, such as dentures. Sometimes, there is no specific cause.
Causes And Options
Gingivitis is an accumulation of bacterial plaque between and around the teeth. A measurement of your pocket depth is the first step in the diagnosis. Pockets deeper than 4 mm could possibly indicate gum disease.
Dental plaque is a biofilm that grows freely on the teeth. This community of micro-organisms triggers an immune response, which, in turn, can eventually lead to the destruction of gingival, or gum tissue. Scaling and root planing removes all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
Plaque will turn into calcified plaque if it’s not removed. Also called calculus or tartar, it is found at the bottom of the teeth, close to the gum line. Symptoms include yellow-colored teeth. Remove plaque by brushing on a daily basis. Only a professional can remove calculus because it is so hard to remove.
Potential Causes Of Gingivitis
Changes in hormones may be responsible for promoting dental disease. This may occur throughout puberty, during menopause, with each menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy.
Signs of Gingivitis:
- Tender gums that may be painful to the touch
- Bright red or purple gums
- Bleeding from the gums when brushing or flossing
- Inflammation, or swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Soft gums
- Halitosis, or bad breath
Dental Notes:
- Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease.
- Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
- Periodontitis is more severe and can eventually lead to teeth loss.
- Periodontitis is also known as ‘Gum Disease.’
Tips for Plaque Prevention
Plaque forms within 24 hours. The mixture of bacteria in your mouth and food causes plaque to form. Your teeth feel fuzzy or rough. If you have fewer bacteria, then you have less plaque.
- Brush twice a day and floss once a day
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums.
- Electric toothbrushes are better equipped to remove plaque.
- As you floss, be sure you wrap the floss around both sides of each tooth, using a push-pull motion to remove as much plaque as possible.
- Get a professional dental cleaning every six months.
- Get a dental exam and X-rays once a year.
- Use a mouthwash daily to kill the bacteria in your mouth.
- Calcium and essential vitamins such as B12 are beneficial to your gums.
Key Diet Lesson:
You can help prevent plaque build-up with a balanced diet including limiting your sugar and carbohydrate intake.
The Dental Exam Expectations
In your dental exam, expect comprehensive care tailored to your needs, especially if you’re concerned about gingivitis. We focus on oral hygiene training to enhance your brushing and flossing techniques. If necessary, we’ll plan follow-up appointments for continuous cleanings and address any dental issues that hinder effective plaque and tartar removal. This might include correcting misaligned teeth or adjusting dental restorations. Regular dental cleanings are a crucial step in improving your oral health. Feel confident and at ease knowing our clinic is committed to providing personalized, gentle care for your specific dental concerns. We are your trusted Port Coquitlam Dentist!
