Gingivitis is a superficial inflammation of the gum. Know the main symptoms and treatments for this mouth problem.
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A gingivitis results from an inflammatory process in the tissues that support and surround the teeth. However, as it is painless, the patient, most of the time, is unaware that he suffers from this problem. But in fact, this is a disease that affects almost the entire population.
The Order of Dentists (OMD) divides periodontal diseases into two groups: gingivitis and periodontitis. In this sense, gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.
Compared to gingivitis, in the case of periodontitis there is a destruction of deeper structures, with bone resorption. However, if periodontitis is not properly treated, it can lead to tooth loss, which is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gingivitis: main symptoms
One of the main causes that leads to gingivitis is related to the accumulation of plaque. This is because, and according to the OMD alert, in the mouth there are more than 300 types of bacteria, many of which are harmful to the gums.
Thus, plaque is the result of bacteria that live in the mouth, and which, in turn, accumulate on the surface of the teeth and between the gums. The problem arises when these bacteria develop too much, causing such periodontal diseases.
Because it is a painless disease, sometimes it is difficult to know its symptoms. A American Dental Association (ADA) alert for the most common symptoms: gums that bleed easily; gums that have a more reddish hue; swollen and/or tender gums and persistent bad breath.
However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of gum problems, including:
- poor oral hygiene;
- tobacco;
- genetic factors;
- pregnancy;
- diabetes;
- medicinally, namely for the treatment of cancer, epilepsy, etc.
Treatment for this problem
At an early stage, gingivitis is easily controllable and reversible. In this sense, you should consult the dentist, in order to clean your teeth, to eliminate tartar, as well as bacterial plaque.
Anyway, the ADA leaves some advice: brush your teeth twice a day; use dental floss to eliminate leftover food particles and plaque between teeth and, finally, have a healthy diet. On the other hand, you should regularly consult your dentist.
Although reversible, and if not controlled, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This phase can lead to loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth, and it can get worse over time. In this case, the treatment will no longer be so simple and may extend over several phases, namely a periodontal study, followed by a diagnosis and intervention plan.
