Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease caused by bacterial infections, poor oral hygiene, smoking, aging, diabetes, and genetic predisposition. Symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed easily, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe tooth loss. Prevention includes brushing and flossing after every meal and professional teeth cleaning every six months.
Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection or inflammation of the gums, ligaments, bones and nerves surrounding the teeth. The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Each tooth is embedded in the gums or gum and attached to the bone via tissue. Periodontal disease is a serious condition that could lead to severe tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is a family of related diseases caused by bacterial infections. Diseases can cause destruction of the bones and tissue that hold teeth in place. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It is caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque formation.
There are other factors that can lead to gingivitis, including smoking, aging and diabetes. There may also be a genetic predisposition to gingivitis, and conditions such as stress, pregnancy, substance abuse, and some medications can cause this disorder. Bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gums and cause infection.
When your body’s immune defense system kicks in against bacteria, your gums become inflamed. Gingivitis does not usually cause pain or discomfort for the sufferer. Since there is no pain, it’s important to recognize the symptoms, such as red, swollen gums that can bleed easily. There may also be separation of the gums where the infection started.
If left untreated, the infection will eventually reach the roots of the teeth. Plaque along the gums and on the roots of the teeth becomes infected. There is also a type of gingivitis called trench mouth. With this infection, there is heavy bleeding from the gums. This is a bacterial infection, but it’s not contagious.
Treatment for trench includes antibiotic mouthwashes and removing tartar from the teeth. In very rare cases, gum surgery may be required. Gingivitis can be prevented in most cases by brushing and flossing after every meal. A professional teeth cleaning every six months is also an excellent prevention strategy. If the cause of gingivitis is disease, only your dentist can cure it.
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