What is Gingivitis? Symptoms, causes and treatment

Unhealthy or swollen gums may not only cause bad breath but also steals your smile. Healthy gums are a part of a bright smile and depict the overall health of your oral cavity. Swollen, inflamed gums on another side can be a sign of gingivitis. However, you can find numerous best clinics in Dwarka, Delhi with one of the most experienced and renowned Dentists in Delhi who can help you get rid of problems related to gingivitis.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an oral health condition that usually affects the gums. It is a type of periodontal disease which results due to the inhabitation of bacteria, or microbial plaque, which forms a layer on the surface of the tooth. The plaque formed on the teeth triggers an immune response, which eventually destroys your gums and tissue leading to various other complications and loos of tooth. Gingivitis if not addressed on time, can harden to form calculus or tartar which is commonly observed near the base of the gums. Gingivitis is a reversible condition and often resolves with good oral hygiene.

Gingival diseases are categorized into two main types:

• Dental plaque-induced gingival disease: A biofilm of plaque arises on the teeth because of systemic factors, medications, or malnutrition.
• Non-plaque induced gingival disease: It results due to a specific bacterium or a virus and fungi. Some times a biofilm of plaque is also formed due to systemic conditions like allergy, wounds, reaction to foreign bodies like dentures, and illness.

What are the common causes of Gingivitis?

Formation of dental plaques is the common cause of gingivitis. Some other causes of gingivitis include:

• Hormonal changes:
  An individual usually undergoes hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal changes affect the blood supply to the gum tissues making them sensitive to catch an infection and results in inflammation.
• Diseases or illness:
  Conditions like Cancer, HIV and diabetes may compromise the immune system of the individual making them more susceptible to gingivitis.
• Drugs
  Medications like contraceptive pills, anticonvulsant drugs, chemotherapy drugs may cause dry mouth and abnormal growth of gum tissue.
• Smoking:
  Regular smokers are likely to develop gingivitis as smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, and degeneration of tooth.
• Age:
  Ageing may increase the risk of gingivitis and other dental problems. Our dental health parallelly declines as we age. It is because of the wear and tear which we commonly observe.
• Poor Diet:
  A healthy diet is not only good for a healthy body but is also good for your dental health. For example, Vitamin-C (important for the immune system) deficiency, is linked to gum disease.
• Family history:
  Family member like parents who had suffered from gingivitis are at increased likelihood of developing it too. The type of bacteria that we acquire during our life may be a reason to it.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis:

Mild cases of Gingivitis usually do not show any kind of symptoms. However, in advanced cases of gingivitis, a person may experience following signs and symptoms:

Signs and symptoms:

• Gums become tender and swollen and appear bright red to purple in colour.
• The gums are, soft to touch and are often painful.
• Bleeding may occur from the gums upon brushing or flossing
• Halitosis or bad breath which may be due to bacterial growth
• Receding gums where the tissues surrounding the gums become inflamed and damaged

Gingivitis Treatment at home

Gingivitis usually subsides in a day or few when proper oral hygiene is maintained. If it is going to last for a long time then you can try certain home remedies to get rid of that plaque build up on your teeth. Some of which include

• Rinsing your mouth with saltwater
• Using lemongrass, aloe vera or tea tree oil mouth wash can help ease pain and reduce inflammation of the gums
• OIl pulling therapy with coconut oil or aremadadi oil can help reduce harmful bacteria, eliminate toxins, and improve overall oral health
• Topical application of clove oil or turmeric gel on teeth can help prevent plaque formation and reduce inflammation of the gums

It is also advised by numerous dental experts that following some preventive measure can prevent gingivitis, which include:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
• Using an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one
• Flossing your teeth at least once a day, to remove the debris from between the teeth
• Regularly rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash

Gingivitis: Treatment by the dentist

If thorough tooth brushing and possible home remedies do not help you get rid of your gingivitis problem then you should consult your nearby dentist. If you are located in Delhi, then try looking for a best dental clinic in Delhi. Prompt treatment can reverse the symptoms of gingivitis and prevents it from worsening.

Look for a Dentist in Delhi who offers professional dental cleaning services. Your initial professional cleaning will include scaling and root planing where all traces of plaque, bacterial growth and tartar are removed and root surfaces are smoothened which inhibits any further buildup of tartar and bacteria and allows proper healing. It is usually performed using advanced technologies like a laser or an ultrasonic device.

In case of any misaligned teeth or poorly fitted bridges, or crowns, a dental restoration may be carried out by your dentist. As these may increase the chances of your gum getting infected leading to gingivitis and other health conditions.

The best dentists in Delhi and all over the world usually recommend taking care of your oral health even after undergoing a thorough professional cleaning. It is because as long as you continue good oral hygiene at home you will not experience any gingivitis issue. Once the treatment procedure is completed Your dentist in Delhi will help you plan an effective program for cleaning and regular professional check-ups.

Take away

Gingivitis usually is a problem associated with poor oral hygiene, it can worsen if not treated on time leading to periodontal disease. However, with proper care and hygiene one can reverse gingivitis and its associated problems.

Referance:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354459

2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241721#treatment

3. Page RC. Gingivitis. J Clin Periodontol. 1986 May;13(5):345-59. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-051x.1986.tb01471.x. PMID: 3522644.