Causes of gum inflammation
1) Inadequate oral hygiene as the main cause
One form of gum disease including inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) comes from a lack of dental care and teeth. If you do not clean your teeth thoroughly, a thin biofilm forms on the tooth surfaces. This is the mildest form and it consists of bacteria, saliva components and food residues.
If the plaque stays on the teeth for a long time, it becomes tartar. Tartar is rough and more bacteria are settling on the surface. The gums are then permanently irritated and inflamed. If the gums ignite and swell, the bacteria can spread in the tooth nerves.
How can you prevent reddened gums?
- Brushing regular tooth (at least twice a day) with a fluoride -containing toothpaste
- Dental floss and interdental brushes for cleaning the interdental spaces
- Professional tooth cleaning at the dentist to remove stubborn tartar
2) Hormonal changes and their effects on the gums
Hormonal fluctuations in the body can make the teeth and gums more sensitive to bacteria. Certain phases of life or conditions therefore favor the inflammation of the gums differently:
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, women often have sensitive gums. The hormones make it more sensitive and it is bleeding easier.
- Puberty: Young people with braces often have difficulty cleaning their teeth. This makes it easier to accumulate Plaque. This leads to swollen gums.
- Menopause: The estrogen level drops in menopause. This often leads to dry mouth. Saliva protects the teeth. If it becomes less, bacteria can multiply more easily. This leads to inflammation.
3) Smoking - an underestimated risk factor
Smoking is bad for the teeth and the gums. Smokers teeth can lead to certain gum diseases, an early stage of bone loss and therefore tooth loss. Nicotine narrowed the blood vessels, which gives the gums less supplied with blood.
Inflammation is often not noticed in time because the typical warning signs such as bleeding gums fail. Smokers have a weaker immune system. Therefore, infections spread faster, the healing process takes longer, and gingivitis heals worse.
4) Poor nutrition - why nutrients are important for healthy gums
An unbalanced diet, especially a lack of certain vitamins and minerals, can make the gums more vulnerable to inflammation. The American dental association states that poor nutrition has a negative effect on the bone that supports the teeth.
- Sugar-containing foods and soft drinks favor the growth of bacteria that cause red, swollen gums and gum diseases.
- Highly processed foods often contain only few nutrients that are necessary for a healthy oral flora.
- Alcohol consumption can lead to dry mouth and thus promote the growth of harmful bacteria. This can lead to pain or other symptoms.
Important nutrients for healthy quality of the gums:
- Vitamin C is good for blood clotting and the immune system. If you don’t have enough vitamin C, this can lead to bleeding gums and frequent infections. Good sources are: citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli.
- Vitamin D is good for the bones and the immune system. If you don’t have enough vitamin D, this can increase the risk of bleeding gums. (Good sources: sunlight, fat fish, eggs)
- Calcium: strengthens teeth and bones. (Good sources: dairy products, almonds, green vegetables)
- Omega-3 fatty acids: have an anti-inflammatory effect and support gum health. (Good sources: fish, nuts, flax seeds)
5) Medicines as a possible cause of gum infections
Certain drugs can have side effects that negatively affect oral health. This includes:
- Blood pressure-lowering medication (e.g. calcium channel blockers): You can cause gum cuffs that make cleaning difficult and promote inflammation.
- Anti-depressants and anti-histamines: You can reduce the flow of saliva and thus cause dry mouth. Less saliva means that harmful bacteria can multiply more easily.
- Immunosuppressants weaken the immune system. This increases the risk of infections – even in the mouth.
Symptoms of gum disease
Inflammation of the gums is shown by various signs that often begin painlessly:
- Reddening and swelling of the gums
- Blood gums, especially when brushing your teeth or eating
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Back gums (gum return)
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet dishes
Treatment in gingivitis
Home remedies and self-treatment
- Thorough oral hygiene: brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush.
- Dental floss & interdental brushes: These help to remove food residues and plaque in the interdental spaces.
- Mouthwashes: rinsing with antibacterial solutions such as chlorhexidine, salt water or chamomile tea can alleviate the inflammation.
- Healthy eating: the absence of sugar and consumption of vitamin -rich foods strengthen the gums.
Dental treatment
- Professional tooth cleaning: Dental pads and tartar are removed to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth.
- Smoothing the tooth root: If the inflammation has advanced, the dentist can remove deposits lying under the gums.
- Antibiotic treatment: In severe cases, treatment with antibiotics may be necessary.
Conclusion - How can you prevent gum disease?
- Regular dental care: Brushing and flossing at least twice a day with dental floss.
- Healthy diet: Avoiding sugar and promoting vitamin -rich foods.
- Regular visits to the dentist: at least once a year for control, tooth cleaning, removing plaque and scaling and root planing.
- Smoke stop: Smokers have a significantly higher risk of gum diseases.
- Avoid stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system and gums.
- Periodontal screening index (PSI): Procedure to identify gum infections early. It is standardized and only takes a few minutes. The dentist divides the bit into sections and measures the depth of the gum pockets in several places. Each section receives a PSI code rating from 0 to 4, depending on how heavy the findings are.