Gingivitis: Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Good oral health is essential for overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people suffer from gingivitis, which can affect their gums and cause discomfort. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, and treatment of this common condition so you can take the necessary steps to keep your mouth healthy.

Overview

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is usually caused by bacteria. It is a mild form of gum disease and can lead to more serious periodontitis and tooth loss if untreated.

Causes and Risk Factors

Plaque, a substance made up of bacteria and other food particles in the mouth, builds up on the teeth and causes gingivitis. If you don't get rid of the plaque, it can solidify into calculus (tartar) and cause swelling and bleeding of the gums. Inflammation like this can harm the bone and tissue that support the teeth, cause the teeth to become loose, and if the infection worsens, even cause tooth loss.

Plaque and gum inflammation can also result from several underlying conditions and outside factors, such as:

• Changes in hormones, like during adolescence, menopause, or pregnancy
• Diseases like cancer, diabetes, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Medications that stop the body from making saliva, causing dry mouth
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Smoking
• Age
• Family history of gingivitis

Symptoms

Gingivitis causes gums to become red, swollen, and sore. They may also bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth. Other signs of gingivitis include bad breath, gums that pull away from the teeth, and loose teeth. If you have any of these signs, consult a dentist as soon as possible to stop the damage and stop gingivitis from progressing to a more extensive problem.

Complications

Gingivitis can result in various serious problems if left untreated. Gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a gum infection that spreads to the tissue and bone below the gums. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and even damage to the jawbone.

Chronic inflammation of the gums can also lead to a higher risk of diseases that affect the whole body, such as lung disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. Bacteria from periodontitis can get into the bloodstream and possibly hurt the heart, respiratory system, and other organs.

Trench mouth, also called necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, is an uncommon form of gingivitis that causes painful, infected, bleeding gums and sores. Trench mouth is more likely to happen if you don't eat well and live in harmful conditions and experience high levels of stress .

Diagnosis

Usually, a dentist will probe your gums with a small tool to look for swelling and measure any pockets around your teeth. The dentist may also arrange for X-rays to see the level of deterioration of your bones. They may also look for signs like plaque and tartar in the mouth or order tests to investigate signs of periodontitis.

Treatment

The most crucial component of gingivitis treatment is good oral hygiene. Thus, always brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. Your dentist can also use cleaning techniques like scaling and root planing, lasers, and medicines like antibiotic microspheres and antiseptic chips to clean your teeth deeply.

Your dentist can also prescribe antibiotics. When gingivitis is severe, you will need oral surgery. Gum surgery includes flap surgery, bone and tissue grafts, and dental crown extension. 

Contact us at Airport Road Dental Associates, PC, for dental services. Schedule an appointment with our friendly staff today to get your gingivitis diagnosed and treated before it becomes a more significant issue. We’re also happy to be your go-to dental office for routine cleanings and examinations.