Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a type of infection that occurs in the soft tissues around the teeth. Lack of oral hygiene and improper dental care are the main causes of such diseases. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, bleeding and pain in the gums are the most common symptoms that can be noticed in the early stages of the disease. The first stage of gingivitis is commonly known as gingivitis, which is marked by bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth. However, if left untreated, this condition can progress to a more advanced stage and gum disease can cause damage to the jaw bones and progress to tooth loss.
Gum diseases often begin with the accumulation of plaque around the teeth. If oral hygiene is not taken into consideration, this plaque can turn into tartar over time and cause bacterial infections. As a result, inflammation begins in the gums. As the severity of gingivitis increases, more serious symptoms such as receding gums, bad breath, and loosening of teeth may occur. Gum diseases can negatively affect not only oral health but also general body health. Research shows that gingivitis may be linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory diseases.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The most common cause of gingivitis is lack of attention to oral hygiene. Plaque accumulated between teeth causes bacteria to multiply. These bacteria affect the gums over time, causing inflammation. Plaque is a thin, colorless bacterial film that accumulates on the surfaces of teeth and if not removed with regular tooth brushing, it can turn into tartar. Tartar provides a fertile environment for bacteria that cause inflammation of the gums.
Other factors that cause gingivitis include:
- Smoking: Gum diseases are more common in smokers because smoking weakens the immune system and causes bacteria to multiply in the mouth.
- Diabetes: Diabetes weakens the body’s ability to fight infections and increases your risk of gum disease.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, adolescence, menstrual cycle and menopause can lead to gingivitis.
- Genetic factors: In individuals with a genetic predisposition, gingivitis may occur more frequently.
- Low immune system: Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, can trigger gum diseases.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Although there is no obvious pain in the early stages of gingivitis, some signs may indicate the presence of the disease. Symptoms of gingivitis may include:
- Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing may be the first sign of inflammation.
- Redness and Swelling in the Gums: Healthy gums generally have a light pink color and a smooth structure. Inflammation in the gums causes redness and swelling in the gums.
- Bad Breath: May cause bad breath. This is caused by bacteria building up in the mouth.
- Inflammation Leaking from Gums: If there is swelling and inflammation in the gums, inflammatory fluid may leak from the gums.
- Sensitivity in Gums: Sensitization of gums can cause pain when they come into contact with hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Loosening or Movement of Teeth: Advanced levels of gum disease can cause teeth to become loose and displaced.
This is How You Can Protect Yourself from Gingivitis;
Paying attention to oral hygiene is the greatest protective measure. The first and most important step is to gently brush the teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush; This prevents plaque buildup and keeps gums healthy. In addition to brushing your teeth, flossing is also very important because it helps prevent inflammation of the gums by cleaning the plaque between the teeth. In addition, adopting a balanced diet that supports oral health also protects gum health; Especially foods rich in vitamin C help strengthen gums.
Since it is known that smoking can lead to gum disease, not smoking helps keep gums healthy. In addition, regular dentist visits make it possible to detect and treat gum diseases in the early stages, which allows you to maintain oral health for a long time by preventing progressive problems. With these basic precautions, it is possible to prevent inflammation and have a healthy oral structure.
How to Cure Gingivitis
The treatments we apply vary depending on the severity of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent tooth loss by ensuring that the gums become healthy. As a first step, plaque and tartar are removed with a professional teeth cleaning performed by the dentist. Regular tooth brushing and flossing at home is an important treatment method that prevents inflammation from recurring. Additionally, the dentist may recommend antibiotic treatment to prevent the spread of infection.
In severe cases, infected tissues can be removed by gum treatment (curettage). In more advanced diseases, surgical interventions may be required; By applying procedures such as gum reshaping or gum grafts, the gums are repaired in a healthy way.
