Gingivitis: An Overview of the Causes, Treatments and Prevention
Gingivitis is also called gum disease. It's caused by bacteria. Gingivitis is a very common condition in dentistry that could lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis can be characterized by reddening and swelling of your gums and bleeding when flossing. Gingivitis can be prevented and treated with good oral hygiene.
What exactly is Gingivitis and how can it be treated?
Plaque on teeth and gums is caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth. Plaque, which is made of bacteria and other food particles, can stick to the teeth. Plaque can become tartar if it is not cleaned up. This can make flossing difficult and require regular brushing. Plaque and tartar build up near the gumline and can cause gum inflammation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than half of all adults over 30 have gum disease. Gum disease is more common as we age. Nearly three quarters of all adults aged 65 or older have gum disease. Gingivitis also occurs more frequently in men than it is among women.
Gingivitis: Common Causes
Poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gingivitis. Poor oral hygiene can lead to inflammation of the gums and irritation. Gingivitis can also be caused by:
- Tobacco products or smoking
- Hormonal fluctuations, like during pregnancy and Menopause
- Some Medications are used for Depression , Seizures , and high blood pressure.
- Infections and diseases that impact the immune system such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes or other chronic illnesses
- Genetics
Gingivitis: Common Treatment s
Gingivitis treatment typically involves professional cleaning combined with better oral hygiene. Scaling is the process of taking out plaque and tartar from teeth. This procedure is typically performed by a dentist, or dental hygiene professional. To prevent tartar and plaque from building up again, you need to practice good oral hygiene.
Your dentist might recommend additional treatments to treat gingivitis. These include laser therapy or antibiotics. The use of antibiotics may help to reduce bacteria levels and alleviate symptoms associated with gingivitis. Laser therapy is a great way to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. Deep cleaning (also called root planning and scaling) can remove tartar and plaque below the gumline.
Gingivitis treatment can reduce symptoms and improve oral health. Studies show this. In reducing gingivitis severity, professional cleaning was combined with better oral hygiene practices. This review included 15 studies . Laser therapy is also effective in relieving inflammation and encouraging healing, according to the same study .
Gingivitis Expert Opinions
Gingivitis, according to experts, is serious and should be addressed immediately. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that gingivitis may lead to periodontitis or more serious forms of gum disease. This can result in tooth loss. Regular dental checkups should be done every six months by the ADA for professional cleanings and routine checks.
Mark Burhenne is a sleep and family dentist who states the best way of preventing gingivitis, is good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene includes flossing and brushing twice daily. An electric toothbrush is recommended by him, as it can remove plaque and tartar more effectively than manual brushing.
Prevention tips and Natural Remedies
There are natural ways to reduce your risk of developing gingivitis. These include professional cleanings and better oral hygiene. They include:
- Oil pulling: This ancient Ayurvedic practice involves swirling oil around the mouth, like coconut oil or sesame, for between 10-20 minutes. Oil pulling has been shown to reduce gingivitis and plaque.
- Sugar-free gum is a good choice. It stimulates saliva flow and helps to wash away food particles.
- Get crunchy vegetables and fruits: Consuming crunchy vegetables and fruits like carrots and apples can remove plaque and bacteria.
- Antibacterial Mouthwash: An antibacterial toothpaste can reduce the risk of plaque formation and gum disease.
- Stop smoking. Smoking increases the likelihood of developing gingivitis.
These tips will help you reduce your risk of developing gingivitis. You can also keep your gums and teeth healthy by following good oral hygiene practices.
Conclusion
Gingivitis, a condition of gum disease, can lead to reddening, swelling and bleeding. Gingivitis can be treated quickly to stop it becoming more severe. The treatment usually involves professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene practices, as well as additional treatments such antibiotics or laser therapy. There are also natural treatments and tips to help lower the likelihood of developing gingivitis. These tips can be followed and good oral hygiene practices will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy.