Gingivitis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
By Steve Mathew
Gingivitis is an inflammatory series of action limited to the mucosal epithelial tissue around the cervical region of the teeth and the alveolar processes. It occurs due to improper oral hygiene of tooth or by injury to the gums from over-vigorous brushing, which results in plaque buildup and tartar. It is the most common and mildest form of periodontal (gum) disease. Because gingivitis is mildly painful in its primary stages, it generally goes unnoticed until acute irritation or receding gums occur.
Gingivitis can occur in all age groups is caused primarily by local irritants. It is nearly always reversible. The common signs of gingivitis are gums which are swollen and bleed on brushing. There are some factors that may cause gingivitis include hormonal imbalance, diabetes, smoking cigarettes, aging, genetic predisposition, systemic diseases and conditions, stress, improper nutrition, puberty, pregnancy, substance abuse and HIV infection. The best way to prevent gingivitis is to brush daily by gently, with toothpaste and flossing with dental floss.
Causes
Gingivitis is a form of periodontic disease. It is apparent by the long term impact of plaque deposits. Plaque is a soft, sticky films that grows on the exposed areas of the teeth, consisting of bacteria, mucus, food wreckage and also when starches and sugars react with bacteria that is generally exist in the mouth. It is a major reason of tooth decay. If it is not taken out within 72 hours, plaque will become harder into tartar that cant be taken out by brushing or flossing.
Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gingiva. This inflammation can remain over the years, resulting in deep pockets in between the teeth and gums and bone loss surrounding the teeth which known as periodontitis. Bacteria, and the toxins bacteria produce, resulting in the gums becoming infected, swollen and tender. Diabetes, hormonal imbalance, general illness, and poor dental hygiene are some of the cause for developing gingivitis.
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of gingivitis are as follows:
- Bad mouth taste
- Foul breath
- Mouth sores
- Change in the color from healthy pink to bright-red, or purple gums
- Shiny look to gums
- Gums that are painless, except when touched
- Red swollen gums that bleed easily, even if they're not sore with gentle brushing.
- Gums that itch with varying degrees of severity
- Receding gumline
Common causes of bleeding gums may include such as hormonal imbalance during pregnancy, local irritants, drugs, viral infections, fungal infection, low grade nutrition.
Treatments
Regular oral hygiene that includes daily brushing and flossing can prevent the recurrence of gingivitis. But to ebb the gingival inflammation some anti-bacterial rinses or mouthwash can be used to treat.
Repair of misaligned teeth or replacement of dental and orthodontic appliances may be prescribed. To mitigate the swelling, local mouth gels which are usually antiseptic and anesthetic can also be used.
The dental hygienist will perform brushing and flossing process. Professional tooth cleaning in addition to brushing and flossing may be prescribed twice per year or more frequently for complex conditions.
About the Author:
Steve Mathew is a writer, who writes many great articles on conditions, diseases and various other ailments. For more information on gingivitis, visit http://www.health-diseases.org.
Article courtesy of www.easyarticles.com.