Did you know that inflammation of the gums can lead to tooth loss? Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease called periodontal disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of your gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. Healthy gums are usually firm and pale pink and fitted tightly around the teeth. But if you have gingivitis, you may have red, tender, swollen gums, bleeding gums when you brush or floss, pus between teeth and gums, bad breath, receding, and tender gums.
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Not brushing your teeth regularly may result in the formation of plaque on the teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues. Plaque is an invisible, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria naturally found in your mouth. Plaque must be removed daily because it re-forms quickly. Plaque that remains on your teeth can harden under your gum line into tartar (calculus), which collects bacteria. Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove, forms a protective shield for bacteria, and causes irritation along the gum line. Professional dental cleaning is required to remove tartar.
Furthermore, the longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva, the part of your gum that surrounds the base of your teeth and causes inflammation. Your gums will become swollen and bleed easily over time. Tooth decay (dental caries) may also occur. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to gum disease that spreads to underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a more serious condition that can result to tooth loss. Poor oral hygiene, smoking or chewing tobacco, advanced age, dry mouth, poor nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency, immune-lowering conditions such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS, or cancer treatment, hormonal changes, genetics, and medical conditions such as viral and fungal infections are all risk factors for gingivitis.
Gingivitis must be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups can all help to prevent and reverse gingivitis. Healthy eating habits and blood sugar management, if you have diabetes, are also important for maintaining gum health. If you notice early signs of gum disease, you should contact your dentist right away.
- PNFP Rowence F. Zorilla, RND
References:
1. Gingivitis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453#:~:text=Gingivitis%20is%20a%20common%20and,seriously%20and%20treat%20it%20promptly.
2. Gingivitis (Gum Disease) Overview
Medically reviewed by Jennifer Archibald, DDS — Written by Erica Hersh and the Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on December 15, 2021
