Gingivitis
Gingivitis
WHAT IS GINGIVITIS?
- Inflammation of gums that surrounds the teeth is called Gingivitis.
- Normal Healthy gums appears as coral pink in fair skinned people and brown or mottled in dark skinned people. Healthy gums are firm to touch and do not bleed on brushing.
- Inflamed Gums are red, swollen and bleeds on brushing or probing. They may even be tender.
CAUSES:
- PLAQUE: Sticky film that collects on your teeth which harbors multiple bacteria is called plaque.These bacteria in the plaque releases chemicals that causes gum inflammation.
- CALCULUS: If plaque stays on your teeth for longer time periods, it starts to mature. Minerals and other bacteria start to deposit into the plaque and it hardens. This is called as CALCULUS aka TARTAR. It causes gum irritation and provides more surface to additional plaque deposition.
- People with Uncontrolled diabetes and pregnant women are at more risk. Certain medications can also increase the risk for gum disease.
WHY SHOULD I GET Y GINGIVITIS TREATED?
- If not treated, it can spread to involve the gum tissues and bone surrounding the teeth.
- It is now called Periodontitis which can be severe. It causes bone loss which can ultimately cause tooth loss if not treated!
PREVENTION:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush.
- Floss your teeth at-least once a day.
- Use a mouthwash.
- Get a professional dental cleaning done every 6 months.
TREATMENT:
- Your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth at and below the gum line to remove all the plaque calculus and other stains on your teeth which can favor the growth of bacteria.
- When all the plaque has been cleaned, your dentist or dental hygienist will give you instructions on proper oral Hygiene measures.
- If instructions are followed well, gingivitis can easily be reversed.
If gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, more extensive treatment is needed.
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