Gingivitis is inflamed gums caused by poor oral hygiene or infections. It can progress to periodontal disease, but good oral hygiene can prevent it. Other causes include viral or fungal infections, medication side effects, and systemic problems. Regular dental checkups are recommended.
Gingivitis is the medical term for inflamed gums. This symptom can occur when poor oral hygiene conditions exist, or it can be a sign of a virus or other infection. Most people experience sore gums at some point in their lives, but when it becomes persistent or interferes with their quality of life, it’s best to have an oral doctor, such as a dentist, examine your mouth for the specific cause.
The tissue surrounding the teeth is commonly referred to as a person’s gums. When the gums are inflamed, it means that they have become red, swollen or painful to the touch. Gum inflammation typically occurs when plaque, the clear film that forms on the teeth, irritates the skin around the tooth. That’s why it’s so important to brush and floss to remove plaque buildup. Inflamed gums can usually be corrected by maintaining good oral hygiene, which involves brushing your teeth two to three times a day with a soft toothbrush and flossing regularly.
When good oral hygiene doesn’t correct inflamed gums, you may start looking for another reason. These include periodontitis, viral or fungal infections, or even side effects from medications. Often changing the toothbrush or adding a rinse or mouthwash to a person’s daily routine can also reduce inflammation.
Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. The bacteria in the plaque causes the skin to pull away from the tooth, creating pockets between the gums and the teeth. These pockets grow and the teeth may eventually become loose. Progression usually occurs very slowly over a lifetime, and periodontitis is rarely seen in children unless it is a manifestation of a deeper systemic problem. The best treatment for periodontitis is good oral hygiene.
Inflamed gums can also be caused by viral or fungal infections. A good example is the herpes simplex virus, for which inflammation of the gums is an early sign of an outbreak. In addition, children are very sensitive to the coxsackie virus, which also causes inflamed gums. The most common fungal infection of the mouth is candidiasis.
When a person has a larger systemic problem, such as heart disease or diabetes, sore gums can be one of the symptoms. Other, simpler things could cause inflamed gums, such as wearing dentures that don’t fit properly, brushing too aggressively, or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles. A good diet and good oral hygiene can usually correct the problem. Also, people are encouraged to visit a dentist twice a year for checkups and treatment.
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