Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms

Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common oral health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a bacterial infection. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious infections, such as periodontitis, and even tooth loss.

Causes of Gingivitis

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Gingivitis typically develops due to a bacterial infection caused by plaque overgrowth. Other viral or fungal infections may also cause it. Treatment can depend on the severity of the infection.

Risk Factors for Gingivitis

Many people aren’t aware that they have gum disease. It’s possible to have gingivitis without any symptoms. However, the following can be risk factors for gingivitis and periodontitis:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes
• Genetic predisposition
• Certain medications
• Poor diet

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Many people with gingivitis don’t experience any symptoms. However, the following can be symptoms of gum disease:

• Gums that are red, tender, or swollen
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Loose teeth
• A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• Foul-smelling breath that doesn’t go away after you brush your teeth
• Partial dentures that no longer fit

Diagnosis of Gingivitis

During a dental exam, your gums will be probed with a small ruler. This probing is a way to check for inflammation. It measures any pockets around your teeth. A typical depth is 1 to 3 millimeters. Your dentist may also order X-rays to check for bone loss.

Treatment of Gingivitis

You must practice good oral hygiene to treat gingivitis. You should also cut back on any smoking if you smoke and manage your diabetes if you live with this condition. Quitting smoking may be difficult, but a doctor can help build a cessation plan that works for you.

Other treatments include:

• Deep cleaning your teeth
• Antibiotic medications
• Surgery

Deep Cleaning Your Teeth

There are several techniques that can be used to deep clean your teeth without surgery. They all remove plaque and tartar to prevent gum irritation:

• Scaling: Teeth scaling removes tartar from above and below the gum line.
• Root planing: This smooths rough spots and removes plaque and tartar from the root surface.
• Lasers: This treatment may remove tartar with less pain and bleeding than scaling and root planing.

Medications for Gingivitis

A number of medications can be used to treat gum disease:

• Antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can be used to disinfect your mouth.
• Timed-release antiseptic chips containing chlorhexidine can be inserted into pockets after root planing.
• Antibiotic microspheres made with minocycline can be inserted into pockets after scaling and planing.
• Oral antibiotics can be used to treat persistent areas of gum inflammation.
• Doxycycline, an antibiotic, can help keep enzymes from causing tooth damage.

Surgery for Gingivitis

If your gingivitis is severe, especially if it’s caused any gum or bone tissue loss, you may need surgery. Types of gum surgery, which is performed by a periodontist, include:

• Flap surgery: Flap surgery is a procedure where the gums are lifted back while plaque and tartar is removed from deeper pockets. The gums are then sutured in place to fit snugly around the tooth.
• Bone and tissue grafts: Grafting can be used when your teeth and jaw are too damaged to heal. Gum graft surgery uses tissue from the roof of your mouth to cover the exposed tooth root. This helps prevent additional gum and bone loss. For a bone graft, your doctor will start with a procedure similar to flap surgery, but they’ll put in a bone graft to encourage your body to regenerate any lost jaw bone.
• Dental crown lengthening: Some people with gingivitis may have excess gum tissue. If this is the case, a periodontist can reshape your gum and bone tissue to expose more of your teeth. This may also be necessary before certain cosmetic or restorative procedures on your teeth.

Prevention of Gingivitis

Proper and consistent oral hygiene can prevent gum disease. This includes:

• Visiting the dentist regularly
• Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing your teeth every day
• Eating a balanced diet

Conclusion

Gingivitis is a common oral health issue that can be treated with good oral hygiene, antibiotics, and surgery. It’s essential to practice good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease and to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. If you suspect you have gingivitis, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

FAQs

Q: What are the symptoms of gingivitis?
A: Symptoms of gingivitis include red, tender, or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and loose teeth.

Q: What are the risk factors for gingivitis?
A: Risk factors for gingivitis include poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, certain medications, and poor diet.

Q: How is gingivitis diagnosed?
A: Gingivitis is diagnosed through a dental exam, where your gums will be probed with a small ruler to check for inflammation.

Q: What are the treatment options for gingivitis?
A: Treatment options for gingivitis include deep cleaning your teeth, antibiotic medications, and surgery.

Q: Can gingivitis be prevented?
A: Yes, gingivitis can be prevented through good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and a balanced diet.