Gingivitis – Gingivitis

Gingivitis (Gum Disease)

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a mild, often reversible form of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis – serious gum disease.

Reasons gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of microbial plaque on the teeth in the form of plaques. Plaque – smear, consisting of bacteria, mucus, food and other substances. It hardens to form tartar. When the coating remains on the teeth for a long period of time, this can lead to gingivitis. Toxins from bacterial plaque irritate the gum tissue and cause infection, inflammation and pain.

Risk factors for gingivitis

Factors, that may increase the risk of gingivitis include:

• Failure to use a toothbrush and dental floss;
• Stress;
• Cleaving teeth solid objects;
• Poor diet;
• Diabetes;
• Breathing through the mouth;
• HIV infection;
• Malocclusion;
• Advanced age;
• Pregnancy;
• Birth control pills;
• The presence of family members with gum disease;
• Paul: male;
• Poor fitting dentures;
• Some medications, taken to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression;
• Some anticonvulsant medications;
• Alcohol consumption;
• Smoking;
• Down's syndrome.

Gingivitis – symptoms

Gingivitis is the early stages generally do not cause pain. Painful symptoms develop in the amplification of inflammation of the gums.

Symptoms of gingivitis may include:

• Swollen, inflamed gums;
• The sensitivity of the gums;
• Redness in the gums or around the teeth;
• Bleeding gums during brushing or eating;
• Thinning or reshaping gum tissue;
• Persistent bad breath.

Diagnosis of gingivitis

The dentist will check your teeth and gums, paying particular attention to the swelling of the gums and the areas of contact between tooth gums. Early diagnosis allows you to quickly cure gingivitis. It is important to undergo examination by a dentist and to clean the teeth from tartar every six months, because gingivitis may not cause any symptoms in its early stages.

Treatment of gingivitis – Gum Disease Treatment

Treatment of gingivitis is designed to eliminate plaque and prevent its re-occurrence.

Treatments include gingivitis:

• Regular dental checkups and dental hygiene;
• Careful and frequent brushing and flossing;
• A healthy diet low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Practical advice for the treatment of gingivitis

Brushing teeth

Carefully brushing and flossing. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, directing it for cleaning at an angle 45 ° to the teeth. Electronic toothbrush will help alleviate dental cleaning for patients with physical limitations. Replace brush, when the bristles become worn (It recommended to change to a new toothbrush every 3-4 of the month). When cleaning, move the brush in small circular movements along the gumline and chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Flossing

Brushing removes bacteria from the surface of the tooth, but its bristles can not reach between the teeth. Dental floss helps get rid of food and bacteria between teeth. Pulling the thread, gently lower it between the teeth, without touching the gums. Gently move the thread back and forth, as well as up and down, cleaning the space between teeth.

Other methods of self-help in the treatment of gingivitis

The dentist may recommend additional treatments, such as massage the gums with a rubber tip. Rinse the mouth to help get rid of bacteria and plaque on the teeth.

Dental care in the treatment of gingivitis

The dentist will check the condition of the gums and remove plaque, which is the cause of gingivitis. See your dentist every six months. Patients with gingivitis may need more frequent cleaning of the teeth from plaque. If the disease progresses, and plaque formed below the gum line, the affected area should be cleaned using dental instruments. Otherwise, further accumulation of plaque and tartar cause rapid growth of bacteria.

When gingivitis has progressed to periodontal disease, may require surgery or medication. Treatment of the underlying disease, which is the cause of gingivitis will help improve the health of the gums.

In patients with recurrent or persistent inflammation of the gums, dentist can evaluate, as other diseases can contribute to gum disease.

If you are diagnosed with gingivitis, Follow the instructions dentist.

Preventing gingivitis

Methods of prevention of gingivitis include:

• Good dental care:
  • Brush your teeth twice a day. There is some evidence, showing, that the rotating electric toothbrushes are more effective in controlling gingivitis, than conventional, dentifrice manually;
  • Clean the interdental spaces with dental floss at least once a day;
  • See your dentist for cleaning the teeth from plaque at least once every six months;
• Eat well-balanced, nutritious food;
• Do not smoke;
• Avoid alcohol consumption.