Taking care of your oral health is just as important as maintaining your overall health. But quite often, it is easy to let it slip from your daily routine. Our teeth and gums do more than help us eat and speak; they contribute largely to our overall wellness. Unfortunately, we might sometimes miss early signs that indicate something might be wrong with our gums, which often leads to issues like gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease, also called periodontal disease, that affects many people. But the good news is that it is reversible with proper oral hygiene. Read on to explore what gingivitis is, its causes and symptoms, and how you can treat and prevent it.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the initial stage in the three phases of gum disease. This stage is characterised by swelling, irritation, redness, and inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe condition that can even result in tooth loss. In periodontitis, the supportive tissues and bone around the teeth are affected, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria can accumulate.
During gingivitis, you may notice your gums bleeding after brushing or cleaning between your teeth. Since periodontal (gum) disease is typically painless, gingivitis can easily go unnoticed until it advances to more serious stages. Understanding gingivitis’ meaning and its causes is essential to preventing its progression.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The most common cause of gingivitis is plaque buildup on the teeth due to improper brushing after meals. Dental plaque is a soft, sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. It usually accumulates from leftover food particles and saliva. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it can turn into tartar and produce toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, which can then cause gingivitis.
Apart from this, several other risk factors can increase your chance of developing gingivitis, including:
Poor dental care: Irregular brushing and flossing can allow plaque to build up and irritate the gingiva (the part of the gum around the base of the teeth).
Smoking or chewing tobacco: Using tobacco products can affect your gum health and increase the risk of gingivitis.
Genetics: Some people may be more prone to gum disease due to their genetic makeup.
Crooked teeth: Misaligned or crooked teeth can be hard to keep clean, which leads to plaque buildup and gum irritation.
Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones during pregnancy or menopause may make the gums more sensitive and increase the chance of gingivitis.
Diabetes: Health conditions like diabetes can affect the body’s immune system and its ability to fight infections, including those affecting the gums.
What Are The Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Gingivitis symptoms are often quite noticeable. But at the early stages, it is also possible to have gingivitis without any symptoms. In such cases, regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings from a dental hygienist can help identify any issues early. Once symptoms appear, you might notice the following:
Swollen or soft, puffy gums: Your gums may become noticeably swollen, feeling tender and soft to the touch. This swelling is a sign of inflammation caused by the buildup of plaque along the gumline.
Receding gums: Over time, your gums may start to pull away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer than usual. This recession is a sign that the gum tissue is shrinking, exposing the tooth’s surface.
Bleeding gums: You may notice your gums bleeding when brushing or flossing. This occurs because your gums are irritated and inflamed, making them more sensitive and prone to bleeding.
Occasionally tender gums: Your gums might feel sore or tender. This tenderness is another sign of inflammation and irritation in the gum tissue.
Loose teeth or teeth that tend to fall out: In more advanced cases of gingivitis, the supporting structures of your teeth, such as the gums and bone, may weaken, causing your teeth to feel loose or shift in position.
Gums changing colour from pink to red: Healthy gums are typically pink, but with gingivitis, they may turn a darker shade of red. This colour change is usually due to increased blood flow to the inflamed areas.
A persistent bad taste in your mouth: You might experience a constant bad taste that does not go away, even after brushing. This unpleasant taste is often caused by the buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth and gums.
Persistent bad breath: Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is a common symptom of gingivitis. The bacteria in plaque produce foul-smelling compounds that lead to persistent bad breath, even with regular brushing and the use of mouthwash.
How is Gingivitis Treated?
Gingivitis treatment typically starts with a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque from the tooth surface and beneath the gum line. While some home remedies are commonly practised by many, if the plaque has hardened into tartar, a more advanced procedure called scaling and root planing may be necessary. In more severe cases, the dentist might use a dental probe to measure the pockets that form at the gumline, which can indicate if gingivitis has advanced to periodontitis.
For a more detailed examination and diagnosis, a dental x-ray might be taken to check if it has affected the jawbone or for bone loss in areas with deeper pockets. They may also fix or remove crowns, dentures, fillings, or bridges that stick out or do not fit right. If your gum disease is more advanced, you may be referred to a periodontist, who is a specialist in treating gum diseases.
How to Prevent Gingivitis?
Practising good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your healthcare professional are essential to preventing gingivitis. Here are a few tips on how to better take care of your gums for gingivitis prevention:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Use floss or any other type of interdental cleaner to clean between the teeth daily.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash that helps kill bacteria or a mouth rinse to reduce plaque accumulation that causes gum disease.
Avoid smoking and the usage of tobacco products.
Limit food and drinks containing excess sugar.
Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and calcium, which support gum health.
Visit your dentist every four to six months for regular examinations and professional cleanings.
When to See a Dental Professional?
If you are witnessing any signs of gum infections, it is important to consult a dental professional to safeguard your dental health. Fungal infections can also contribute to gum problems, so in order to get the proper treatment, it is essential to see a healthcare professional. Your dental professional may perform a deep cleaning or any other treatment required to manage gingivitis. With proper diagnosis and treatment, they can help you manage the issue and prevent it from progressing further.
In conclusion, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are crucial in preventing and managing gingivitis. You can protect your teeth and overall health by staying vigilant about your gum health and addressing any early signs of gum disease. Remember, early detection and proper care can help reverse gingivitis and prevent it from progressing into more severe conditions. Take proactive steps today to ensure a healthy smile for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of gingivitis?
Can gingivitis be cured?
How long can gingivitis last?
Do gums go back to normal after gingivitis?
The fastest way to get rid of gingivitis is to consult a dental professional for a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that cause gum irritation. Additionally, practising good oral hygiene habits regularly can also help.
Yes, gingivitis can be cured. With proper gingivitis treatment and practising better oral hygiene at home, you can reverse gingivitis easily. Regular dental check-ups also play a crucial role in preventing it from coming back.
The time it may take for a complete cure from gingivitis usually depends upon the severity of the condition. With proper gingivitis treatment along with proper oral care, improvement in the condition is expected within 10 to 14 days. If the condition is more severe, it may take a longer time.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and with the right treatment, gums can return to normal. However, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe condition, which makes it difficult to eliminate completely.
