Gingivitis is a type of gum disease described as inflammation of the gums. This occurs when the person has poor dental hygiene and develops plaque and calculus where the teeth and gums meet. As a result, the gums become irritated and inflamed.
Read on to find out what causes gum disease, what the signs and symptoms are, who is at risk and the treatment. Periodontal treatment methods depend on the type and severity of the disease.
Though gum disease is mainly caused by poor dental hygiene, other factors increase the risk of developing this dental problem, which includes the following:
Injury to the gum
Uncontrolled diabetes
Pregnancy
Stress
Poor nutrition
Smoking
Adverse effects of some medicines
Tooth issues such as rough or misaligned teeth
Symptoms of gingivitis include:
Swelling and redness of the gums
Gums bleed easily when teeth are brushed
Tenderness of the gums
Bad breath
Gingivitis is the first and a mild stage of gum disease. Once the disease advances, it is now called periodontitis. You may the experience the following:
Receding gum line
Loss of bone
Loose teeth
Tooth loss
Complications of untreated gum disease include chronic periodontitis, infection or abscess and trench mouth. Several studies have shown that gum disease is a risk factor in experiencing major illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis and premature births. Aside from identifying its causes, it’s also crucial to know how you can prevent gum disease.
Though some individuals are more genetically vulnerable than the others, most people can experience some degree of gingivitis at some point in their life. Gingivitis usually develops when the person hits puberty. In addition, people who smoke, suffer from diabetes and arthritis, overweight and have a family member with a history of gum disease are also susceptible to developing gingivitis and periodontitis.
The good news is that gum disease is preventable. With good dental hygiene, regular dental check-ups and exams, healthy lifestyle such as avoiding or quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and keeping stress at bay, you can reduce the risk of developing gum disease.
The treatment for gum disease aims to reduce inflammation. This may involve professional dental cleaning, scaling and root planing for advanced stages, oral hygiene instructions to improve your dental hygiene methods, and treatment for any problems that contribute to the problem. Underlying health conditions must also be treated.
In most cases, the symptoms of gum disease are not easily detected until the condition becomes severe. That is why regular dental visits are of the utmost importance. Your dentists in Glen Waverley at Ek Dental Surgery will carefully examine your oral condition to identify any signs of gum disease and provide you with the necessary solutions to prevent or inhibit further deterioration of your teeth and gums. If you know you suffer from gum disease, consult your Glen Waverley dentist at Ek Dental Surgery as soon as possible.
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