Gingivitis is a very common and mild form of gum
(periodontal) disease that causes irritation, redness and swelling
(inflammation) of your gums. Because gingivitis can be very mild, you may not
be aware that you have the condition. But it’s important to take gingivitis
seriously and treat it promptly. Gingivitis can lead to much more serious gum
disease (periodontitis) and eventual tooth loss.
What Causes Gingivitis
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene
that encourages plaque to form. Plaque is an invisible, sticky film composed
mainly of bacteria. Plaque forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food
interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. Brushing and flossing your
teeth each day removes plaque. Plaque requires daily removal because it
re-forms quickly, usually within 24 hours.
Plaque that stays on your teeth longer than two or three
days can harden under your gum line into tartar (calculus). Tartar makes plaque
more difficult to remove and creates a protective shield for bacteria.
You usually can’t get rid of tartar by brushing and flossing — you need a professional dental cleaning to remove it.
You usually can’t get rid of tartar by brushing and flossing — you need a professional dental cleaning to remove it.
The longer that plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the
more they irritate the gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your
teeth. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. Good oral health
habits, such as regular professional checkups and daily brushing and flossing,
can help prevent gingivitis.
Symptoms
Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. If your gums are puffy,
dusky red and bleed easily, you may have gingivitis. Because gingivitis is
seldom painful, you can have gingivitis without even knowing it. Signs and
symptoms of gingivitis may include:
·
Swollen gums
·
Soft, puffy gums
·
Receding gums
·
Occasionally, tender gums
·
Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss,
sometimes seen as redness or pinkness on your brush or floss
·
A change in the color of your gums from a
healthy pink to dusky red Bad breath
How To Treat Gingivitis
Prompt treatment can usually reverse symptoms of gingivitis
and prevent its progression to more serious gum disease and tooth loss.
Effective treatment requires professional care followed by stepped up oral
hygiene at home.
Your initial professional cleaning will include use of
dental instruments to remove all traces of plaque and tartar — a procedure
known as scaling. Scaling may be uncomfortable, especially if your gums are
already sensitive or you have extensive plaque and tartar buildup.
Misaligned teeth or poorly fitting crowns, bridges or other
dental restorations may irritate your gums and also make it harder to remove
plaque during your daily home care. If any of these conditions is contributing
to your gingivitis, your dentist may recommend fixing these problems.
Gingivitis usually clears up after a thorough professional
cleaning — as long as you continue to follow a program of good oral hygiene at
home. Your dentist will help you plan an effective home follow-up program. He
or she will review brushing and flossing techniques to make sure you’re getting
maximum benefit from your home cleaning. Your dentist may also recommend using
an antiseptic mouth rinse to help clear away bacteria.
If you’re consistent with your home hygiene, you should see
the return of pink, healthy gum tissue within days or weeks. You’ll need to
practice good oral hygiene for life, however, so your gum problems don’t
return.
Professional
gingivitis care includes:
·
An initial evaluation and thorough dental
cleaning to remove all traces of plaque and tartar
·
Instruction on effective daily home brushing and
flossing techniques
·
Regular follow-up professional checkups and
cleaning
·
Fixing dental restorations that hinder adequate
hygiene, if necessary
Follow-up home care
includes:
·
Brushing at least twice a day (An electric
toothbrush may help you brush more effectively).
·
Flossing at least daily.
·
Using an antiseptic mouth rinse (if recommended
by your dentist).
How To Prevent Gingivitis
The best way to prevent gingivitis is a program of good
dental hygiene, one that you begin early and practice consistently throughout
life. That means brushing your teeth at least twice daily — in the morning and
before going to bed — and flossing at least once a day. Better yet, brush after
every meal or snack or as your dentist recommends. A complete cleaning with a
toothbrush and floss should take three to five minutes. Flossing before you
brush allows you to clean away the loosened food particles and bacteria.
Also, see your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for
professional cleanings, usually every six to 12 months. If you have risk
factors that increase your chance of developing gingivitis, you may need
professional dental cleanings more often.




