Gingivitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Gingivitis is a gum disease that affects the tissues of your gums and bones holding your teeth in place. It's an early form of periodontitis, an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. One of the most important things to know about gingivitis is how to detect it before it becomes serious—and what treatment options you have once you've been diagnosed with it.

Let's understand what gingivitis is and what causes it below, so you can be proactive about preventing it from developing into something worse.

Gingivitis: Overview

Gingivitis is a condition that causes the gums to become swollen and inflamed. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that affects the bone and ligaments supporting your teeth.

Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film composed of bacteria, food particles, and other substances that constantly form on your teeth. Plaque irritates the gums, which leads to inflammation and swelling.

Gingivitis may be mild or severe, depending on how much plaque accumulates between your teeth. If you have mild gingivitis, you may have some redness and irritation in your gums but no bleeding when you brush or floss. Severe gingivitis can cause bleeding after brushing or flossing, as well as bad breath due to the buildup of bacteria in your mouth.

Gingivitis is typically brought on by poor oral hygiene. It can be prevented and even reversed by maintaining good oral habits, such as brushing twice a day, daily flossing, and getting dental examinations at least once every year.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Gingivitis

Gingivitis is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 70. While anyone can develop gingivitis, some people are more susceptible than others based on their lifestyle choices and risk factors:

People with the following risk factors have a higher chance of developing this condition:

●        Poor brushing technique

●        Smoking or chewing tobacco

●        Not flossing regularly

●        Lack of regular dental visits

●        Age over 30

●        Taking a diet rich in sugar

●        Smoking

●        Medications that cause mouth dryness

●        Cracked and ill-fitting bridges

●        Hormonal shifts in women, as seen during pregnancy and while using hormonal contraceptives

●        Conditions such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS

●        Stress

●        Genetics

Gingivitis Symptoms

Gum disease isn't always easy to recognise because its symptoms can be different for everyone. In some cases, it may not cause symptoms until it becomes more advanced. If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, visit your dentist in Bondi to get diagnosed and treated:

●        Red, swollen, tender gums

●        Painful chewing and speaking

●        The gums may also feel rough to the touch

●        Sensitivity to hot or cold foods

●        Pus around the gums and in the pockets between them (periodontal pockets)

●        Gum recession (where the gum recedes from the tooth)

●        Bad breath (halitosis)

●        A modification to the bite correlation (malocclusion)

Treatment & Prevention for Gingivitis

The purpose of treating gum disease is to restore the normal function of the gums and their connection to the teeth; lessen the size of any inflamed areas; decrease the depth of any pockets; and halt the spread of the illness.

Treatment for gingivitis depends on how severe your condition is and whether or not you have any underlying medical conditions or risk factors for developing periodontal disease. Treatment often includes a combination of scaling and root planning (deep cleaning), antimicrobial medication, surgical repair of damaged connective tissue (in severe cases), and good oral hygiene to prevent future flare-ups.

Some preventive tips for gingivitis include:

●        Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

●        Be sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes and floss between each tooth.

●        Rinse your mouth with water after you eat or drink anything acidic to help wash away food particles and debris from the gums.

●        Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth and under the gumline. If you have bridges or braces, use floss threaders for better access to hard-to-reach areas.

●        Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles become frayed.

●        Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups to remove plaque before it can harden into tartar (calculus).

●        If possible, avoid smoking and chewing tobacco products. These can irritate the gums and make them more susceptible to infection.

Visit Optimal Dental Care to Help Prevent Gingivitis

We hope this blog has helped you understand more about gingivitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about this topic, please contact Optimal Dental Care, a dental clinic in Woollahra, to schedule a checkup. Our principal dentist, Dr Anna Lee, has almost two decades of experience providing her patients with the best in dental care.

We recommend visiting the dentist regularly to help prevent gingivitis from occurring. If you are experiencing any symptoms of gingivitis or other dental problems, we encourage you to book an appointment with our team of professionals today!