Inflammation of the gums - causes, symptoms, treatment

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth, caused by the accumulation of bacteria in plaque on the surface of the teeth. If plaque is not regularly removed through oral hygiene, bacteria begin to attack the gums, which leads to their redness, swelling and bleeding. This disease can occur at any age and should not be underestimated because if left untreated it can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious and difficult to treat disease.

Causes of gingivitis

Among the most common causes of gingivitis are:

• Improper oral hygiene Too infrequent or incorrect brushing of teeth, skipping flossing, as well as brushing too hard can lead to plaque buildup and bacterial growth.
• Smoking tobacco — tobacco smoke negatively affects the blood supply to the gums and weakens the body's immunity, increasing the risk of inflammation.
• Diabetes People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gingivitis, due to reduced immunity.
• Hormonal changes Pregnant women, people in adolescence or menopause may be more at risk of gingivitis due to hormonal fluctuations.
• Genetic predisposition Some people are more prone to gum disease due to hereditary factors.
• Irregular visits to the dentist - the lack of professional removal of tartar and control of the condition of the oral cavity promotes the development of the disease.
• Improper diet and nutritional deficiencies — can weaken immunity and promote inflammation.

Symptoms of gingivitis

Among the most common symptoms of gingivitis are:

• Redness and swelling of the gums, which become soft and tender to the touch.
• Bleeding when brushing your teeth, flossing or eating — this is one of the first and most characteristic symptoms.
• Soreness and hypersensitivity of the gums, especially when eating hard foods.
• Bad breath (halitosis), caused by bacteria breaking down food debris.
• Recession of the gums — the receding of the gums exposing the roots of the teeth, which causes them to become hypersensitive and appear to be “longer” teeth.
• Loose or shifting teeth in advanced cases.
• Gingival rush and the appearance of pus in places of inflammation (less often, in more advanced stages).

It is worth emphasizing that gingivitis often does not cause pain, so the first symptoms are often ignored.

Treatment of gingivitis

Treatment of gingivitis is primarily based on:

• Improving oral hygiene — regular and thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss or irrigators to remove plaque.
• Professional removal of tartar and plaque by a dentist or dental hygienist.
• The use of antibacterial rinses — can support treatment and reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
• Causal treatment — in the case of systemic diseases (e.g. diabetes), it is necessary to compensate them accordingly.
• Avoiding risk factors — smoking cessation, healthy diet, regular check-ups with the dentist.

In advanced cases, when the inflammation passes into periodontitis, more advanced specialized treatment, including surgery, may be required.

Prevention of gingivitis

For the prevention of gingivitis, you must:

• Take care of daily, proper oral hygiene.
• Regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and professional cleaning of teeth.
• Avoid smoking.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle and a diet that supports immunity.
• Monitor overall health and treat chronic diseases.

Gingivitis is a disease that can be successfully treated and prevented from complications if detected early. If you notice symptoms such as bleeding, redness or swelling of the gums, it is worth immediately consulting a dentist to start appropriate treatment and maintain oral health for many years to come.