If your gums bleed, it is usually because of gingivitis. The problem, colloquially known as a gingival inflammation, is ignored by many people. But this form of gum disease can have bitter consequences and be a danger for your teeth and your gums. This article explains how gingival inflammation occurs, how you can recognize it, and how you can treat it.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and a precursor to periodontitis. This is a chronic inflammation of the entire periodontal ligament. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
You can treat gingival disease well, and if you start treatment in good time, it will have no long-term consequences. Then the inflammation usually remains without major problems for your oral health.
How does this inflammation develop?
The main cause of bacterial gingivitis is plaque that forms on the teeth. Plaque consists of saliva, food residue and bacteria. The bacteria in plaque attack the gums and cause inflammation. The immune system tries to fight off the bacteria with the inflammation.
Plaque on the gum line, i.e. the area where the tooth and gum meet, is particularly problematic. Interestingly, this type of gum disease occasionally develops even without a bacterial infection. Mechanical irritations such as protruding fillings or crown edges can also cause gingivitis.
Preventing gum disease is possible with proper oral hygiene. Consistent dental care at home and regular professional cleanings at the dentist or dental hygienist keep the teeth healthy. Scaling and root planing also helps to keep the gums intact. The procedure scaling removes tartar and therefore helps to practice good oral hygiene.
Which factors increase the risk of gingivitis?
The national institute of dental and craniofacial research says, there are various factors which promote the tendency of gingivitis. These include:
- Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, making them more susceptible to inflammation.
- Malnutrition: A lack of vitamin C can lead to gingivitis.
- Diabetes mellitus: Patients with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing gingivitis.
- Hormonal changes: During phases of hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), the gums are particularly susceptible to infection.
- Dry mouth: People who produce too little saliva are more prone to gingivitis.
- Stress: Dental problems caused by stress weaken the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of inflammation.
How does the inflammation manifest itself?
In the early stages, this inflammation is barely noticeable. But as it progresses, the following symptoms occur:
- Bleeding gums: Brushing your teeth or using dental floss causes bleeding gums. The inflammation damages the gum tissue, causing this to happen.
- Redness of the gums: The inflamed tissue is more red than the healthy gums.
- Swelling of the gums: Gums are becoming swollen, which can be associated with pain.
- Bad breath: The metabolic products of the bacteria can cause an unpleasant smell.
What forms of gingivitis are there?
Acute gingivitis
Chronic gingivitis
If you don’t treat gingivitis, the inflammation will cause your gums to bleed. Over time, your gums might even recede, which makes your teeth look longer. If you don’t treat the chronic inflammation, it can turn into periodontitis, which can even lead to tooth loss.
Differentiation from other gum diseases
- Periodontitis: An advanced form of gum inflammation that affects not only the gums but also the jawbone. If left untreated, it can lead to bone degradation and ultimately tooth loss.
- Ulcerative gingivitis: A particularly aggressive form, known as “necrotizing periodontal diseases“. A weakened immune system often leads to painful gum ulcers and bad breath.
- Gingival hyperplasia: It is not a normal inflammation, but a pathological enlargement of the gums. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can cause gingival overgrowth.
Conclusion
If you have symptoms of gingivitis, you should take better care of your teeth and have a dental examination. The dentist will check your gums and measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums.
A professional dental cleaning not only helps against gingivitis, but also prevents it. Bone loss and fungal infections are all connected to the overall health of the mouth and the immune system.
If you recognize and treat the signs of gingivitis in time, it will not damage the tissue around the teeth. However, if you do not treat it, it can turn into periodontitis. This is one of the main causes of tooth loss. So, if you notice gingivitis, you should go to the dentist.
Getting a dental treatment in Turkey is a good option against any problems with teeth and gums. Cosmedica Dental in Turkey, for example, does dental implants, veneers, cleanings and teeth whitenings. In conclusion, if you have gingivitis or periodontitis, contact our team in Istanbul. We will remove plaque and tartar, and treat all dental problems you have!