Gingivitis sketch (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Gingivitis, also known as gingiva, means inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is actually the most common gum-related disease and is also termed as one of the root causes behind other oral diseases and conditions. According to an NIH report, 50 to 90 percent of adults in the U.S. have gingivitis. It is more common in males than females. Yet, an unfortunate fact is that most people don’t even know that they have gingivitis. Due to this ignorance, the condition might take a more severe form and turn into a serious gum disease such as periodontitis.
One thing that is equally positive and negative about gingivitis is that it is a fairly painless condition. It does not cause much discomfort or irritation. Yet, due to the same reason, it may also go unnoticed in the beginning and cause more serious problems later.
What Causes Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is caused by accumulation of thin bacteria film between the teeth and the gums. This film is called plaque. Bacteria can cause infection and inflammation in the affected area. This infection, if not cured in time, can result in destruction of gum tissues and decay of tooth bones.
There can be several different types of gingivitis. The one we have defined above is the most common type and is specifically termed as plaque-induced gingivitis. The plaque is formed by the accumulation of bacteria, food particles, debris and mucus. Regular brushing and proper oral hygiene routine is necessary to keep plaque away. Yet, if the plaque is formed and not removed for a long time, it turns into tartar. Tartar can be considered the mineralized, more stubborn form of plaque. If plaque and tartar are not removed in time, they result in gingivitis.
Other major causes of gingivitis are as follows.
- Hormonal changes
- Drug addiction
- Smoking and alcohol
- Family history of gum diseases
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer and HIV
How Do You Know You Have Gingivitis?
As we mentioned above, gingivitis is more like a silent killer. The symptoms and signs are always there from the very beginning, but they are so minor that they often go unnoticed. Yet, if you wish to avoid serious condition, you must look for the smallest signs and symptoms. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
- Change in gum color, usually red or purple
- Mild irritation, tingling and swelling
- Increased sensitivity of teeth and more tender gums.
- Bleeding during brushing, flossing and eating
- Bad breath
Prevention Or Cure
There are number of ways to treat gingivitis, but unlike periodontitis, prevention is not only possible, but also preferable. One of the best ways to prevent gingivitis is to take extra care of your oral hygiene. You must brush your teeth with a dentists’ recommended tooth paste at least once a day. Regular flossing is also important as it removes plaque from places your tooth brush is unable to reach.
Also, you must avoid habits that may cause your oral condition to worsen, for example smoking and alcohol. Similarly, your food choices may also affect your oral health and expose your gums to the risk.
However, once the plaque mineralizes into tartar, it is not possible to remove it without the help of a dentist. The dentist might suggest a non-invasive treatment using tools to scrap the tartar from the surface of the teeth. They may also polish the surface of the tooth to make it smoother. A smoother surface facilitates easy and thorough brushing, hence reducing the chances of plaque buildup in the future.
Conclusively, gingivitis itself is not a painful or harmful condition, but if not taken care of, it may have devastating consequence on your overall oral health.
Kevin Kerfoot writes about health, nutrition, oral hygiene and skin care for Trusted Health Products’ natural health blog and newsletter.
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