What Is Gingivitis? Symptoms and Causes

By Elite Dental Group

Gingivitis is considered a common and mild form of gum (periodontal) disease that causes redness, irritation, and swelling of a person’s gingiva, the part of the gum around the teeth’s base. It is a form of gum disease that takes place when plaque, a naturally-occurring sticky film persisting bacteria, builds up on the teeth and creates the inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. Plaque is responsible for producing toxins which irritates the gums. It can cause the gums to become inflamed, making them red or puffy, and even causing them to bleed. The bacteria formed from plaque can result in issues beyond gingivitis, like weakened tooth enamel.

It is very important to take care of your gum line even with regular brushing because a healthy mouth starts there. Prevention from diseases like gingivitis is necessary. An institution has reported that this dental condition is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and stroke. Although it hasn’t been shown to cause them.

Gingivitis Causes

Some major causes of gingivitis have been mentioned below.

1. One of the most common causes of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. If someone is not brushing or flossing regularly, they are creating an environment for gingivitis to take place.
2. Poor nutrition deprives the body of essential nutrients and makes it more difficult to fight infections like gum disease.
3. Smoking or tobacco use is a top risk factor for developing gingivitis. Recent research has shown that people who smoke are seven times more likely to suffer from gum-based diseases as compared to people who do not smoke.
4. Even hormonal changes like puberty, menopause, pregnancy, and monthly menstruation can cause inflammation and increased sensitivity in the gums. Taking extra care of gums during such times can be helpful to prevent gum disease.
5. Stress is also considered as one of the causes of gingivitis. Experiencing constant stress can weaken the immune system and cause an adverse impact on the ability to fight infection.
6. If someone is not removing plaque properly especially around the gum line, this can also lead to gingivitis.
7. Some chronic diseases like diabetes, HIV or cancer can make it difficult for the body to fight off infection.  

Gingivitis Symptoms

1. Swollen, red gums is one of the initial signs that your gums need attention. Gum disease produces inflammation along the gum line. They may also feel painful and bleed easily when someone flosses or brushes.
2. Sometimes we are lazy. We do not clean our mouth properly after eating food or something sugary, causing millions of bacteria to fester inside our mouth. This can also lead to gum disease. 
3. If someone is drinking a cold beverage, like cold water and it makes them wince, pay attention because your teeth might be telling you something. This is another symptom of gum disease.
4. Some other symptoms of gingivitis include bad breath, tender gums, receding gums, etc.

Prevention from Gingivitis

1. Whether we're talking about gingivitis or any other dental disease, one of the key aspects for a healthier mouth is to brush for at least two minutes twice in a day, in the morning and at night. Try to floss at least once a day. It is better to brush after every meal or snack, your dentist may recommend this. Flossing before brushing gives the advantage to clean the loosened food particles as well as bacteria.
2. Try to visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for cleanings, usually between six to twelve months. If someone has a risk factor which increases the chance of developing periodontitis, like having dry mouth, consuming different medications or smoking, they might need professional cleaning more often.
3. Performing good health practices like healthy eating or managing blood sugar if someone has diabetes can also maintain gum health.

Gingivitis Treatment

Maintaining good oral habits, like brushing at least twice a day, getting regular checkups or flossing daily can eventually help in preventing and reversing gingivitis. Along with that, try to use anti-gingivitis toothpaste; this toothpaste should be able to clear plaque from both the gum line and teeth. Many types of toothpaste are available which neutralize plaque bacteria around the gum line and are clinically proven to provide healthier gums. However, gingivitis can be treated with the help of different measures like deep cleaning the teeth, the help of antibiotic medications, and surgery.

1. Cleaning teeth: Different techniques are used which can be implemented to deep clean the teeth without surgery. Root planning removes both plaque and tartar from the root surface and smoothes rough spots. As compared to scaling and root planning, lasers may remove tartar with less bleeding and pain.
2. Medications: Antiseptic mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine can be useful in disinfecting the mouth. Oral antibiotics are also used to treat persistent gum inflammation. Doxycycline is an antibiotic which can keep enzymes from causing damage to teeth. There is a procedure called flap surgery in which the gums are lifted back while tartar and plaque are removed from deeper pockets. Tissue and bone grafts can also be used when the jaw and teeth are too damaged to heal.

Gingivitis Complications

Untreated gingivitis can lead to gum disease which spreads to underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a more complicated condition that can lead to tooth loss. Chronic gingiva inflammation has been thought to be linked with various systemic diseases like diabetes, respiratory disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Even some research states that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can make an appearance in the bloodstream with the help of gum tissue that possibly affects the heart, lungs, and several parts of the body. Deficiency of Vitamin-C is linked to gum disease as well. Individuals whose parent or other family member has this disease have a higher risk of developing it.