Gingivitis is a disease consisting of inflammation and bleeding of the gums. It belongs to the group of periodontal diseases and affects the gum at the neck of the tooth. It is treated to full recovery by better oral hygiene and removal of tartar, but if left untreated it can lead to periodontitis.
What causes gingivitis?
The main cause is poor oral hygiene and incorrect, irregular tooth brushing. Additional factors may be:
- teeth in the wrong position (crowded or displaced);
- injuries to the gum;
- untreated caries;
- orthodontic treatment;
- incorrectly made prosthetic constructions.
Gingivitis caused by plaque and tartar is a disease that practically everyone has had at some period of their life. It is very common in children entering puberty.
Plaque and tartar build up most easily at the border between the tooth and the gum. If they are not cleaned away, bacteria develop in them which, besides causing caries, also lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
What are the symptoms?
In the mouth, gingivitis appears as redness of the gum at the border with the tooth, with a garland-like shape. Some swelling of the gum can also be seen, but there is no pain. On contact with a dental probe or a toothbrush, slight bleeding is seen. For this reason, people with gingivitis may have traces of blood in their saliva.
During puberty or pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause individual gum papillae to become inflamed (enlarged). When biting and brushing the teeth they are painful and bleed.
How is gingivitis treated?
Gingivitis, as an independent disease, is treated to full recovery. Treatment is very easy and requires:
- better oral hygiene and brushing technique, so that plaque is removed effectively and regularly – see prevention for the teeth;
- regular removal of tartar;
- rinsing with antiseptic solutions or mouthwashes as prescribed by the dentist.
What happens if gingivitis is not treated?
Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to the development of periodontitis, which is a disease with serious consequences and leads to loosening of the teeth.
Frequently asked questions
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a disease consisting of inflammation and bleeding of the gums. It belongs to the group of periodontal diseases and affects the gum at the neck of the tooth.
What causes gingivitis?
The main cause is poor oral hygiene and incorrect, irregular tooth brushing. Additional factors are teeth in the wrong position, injuries to the gum, untreated caries, orthodontic treatment and incorrectly made prosthetic constructions.
Does gingivitis hurt?
No. There is redness and some swelling of the gum, and slight bleeding is seen on contact with a probe or toothbrush. However, individual enlarged gum papillae may be painful and bleed when biting and brushing the teeth.
How is gingivitis treated?
By better oral hygiene and brushing technique, which removes plaque, and by regular removal of tartar. Rinsing with antiseptic solutions or mouthwashes as prescribed by the dentist may also be used.
What happens if gingivitis is not treated?
It can lead to the development of periodontitis, which is a disease with serious consequences and leads to loosening of the teeth.