What is Gingivitis?
Oral issues can include many diseases. While those are not limited to the teeth only, they can be immensely painful. Gingivitis, about which we are going to elaborate further today here, is a gums disease, which affects teeth greatly too.
The most noticeable signs of Gingivitis are bleeding gingiva (the part of the gum that is attached to teeth), growing dental plaque or cavities and irritation. In most cases the main cause behind it is bad oral hygiene habits, however, a few other factors can affect it.
What Causes Gingivitis?
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Hormonal Changes
Teenagers or women going through the tough stage of menopause are specifically vulnerable to oral diseasses. The imbalance in their hormones affects the overall immunity, too.During ssuch stages, extra carefulness with while brushing is likely to help.
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Lack of Oral Hygiene
Healthy oral cleaning routing includes two times brushing per day, flossing as well as using mouthwash. Most of us get through the brushing part hurriedly which creates unmanageable teeth issues in the long term. Two-times brushing will keep your teeth plaque-free and make your smell good. Also, using mouthwashes (with fluoride in it) can control the cavity and maintain gum health.
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Stress
Stress is a huge cause of several health issues. Gum diseases are also among them. Stress often manipulates the hormonal balance in the body as it deals with serotonin, dopamine and a few other hormones. If the hormonal imbalance gets triggered, stress can result in Gingivitis.
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Chronic Diseases
Cancer or HIV can also become a cause of Gingivitis. Apart from that, chronic diseases related to the stomach like Crohn’s disease or irregular bowel syndrome can also deteriorate gums or teeth health.
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Vitamin Deficiencies
Bad eating habits, often leading to a lack of essential vitamins are also a main reason behind Gingivitis disease. Vitamins like B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), minerals, Vitamin A and Vitamin D are necessary for overall health including gums health.
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Side Effects of Medications or Drugs
Consumption of certain medicines for a long time also affects teeth and gums in a negative way.
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Smoking
If smoking has become part of your life in any capacity, then it is to blame for Gingivitis. Smoking endangers your oral health greatly, and if you have noticed any symptoms lately, then stop smoking as soon as possible.
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Genetical Causes
Sometimes it’s not under your control whether to let teeth develop plaque. If one or both of your parents have had Gingivitis, chances are higher for you to have it. Sometimes, the high Ph of saliva (acidic) can also cause plaque.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis?
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Signs of Infection Such as Redness and Inflammation
Puffiness around the teeth or discoloration of gums can be one of the signs. In somecases the inflammation can make you consume a couple of painkillers.
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Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common symptom among all teeth problems. When you sense the sharp pain or current-like feeling while drinking cold water or while eating something citrus, it is teeth sensitivity. When the condition escalates, such pain can occur while eating or drinking anything regardless of temperature.
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Bleeding
Bleeding is a trademark sign of Gingivites. The edges of your gums may bleed or can appear red occasionally if you have the disease. Especially while brushing, gums can start bleeding relatively easily.
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Loose or Moving Teeth Receding Gums – gums losing grip over the teeth/ decreasing gums
However, the most troublesome symptom is loose teeth. It feels almost as if the tooth might come off!! This is because the gums go weak and it starts receding exposing the whole tooth.
This disease can make cavities and tarter grow faster and can even cause tooth loss. If left untreated, it can lead to Periodontitis. It is an even more serious condition where the jaw bone or teeth gets infected.
How To Treat Gingivitis?
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Treat Plaque or Tarter Conditions
If you suspect any cavity forming or tarter condition, get it removed from a dentist. Lifestyle changes can also help to stop it from growing further.
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Regular and Thorough Brushing of Teeth
A large chunk of people has started to use electronic brushes for their oral hygiene. But with a normal brush, use it in a circular motion all over and under your teeth on each side (with the toothpaste of course).
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Cleanse Mouth with Mouthwash
While flossing is advised once a day, brushing should be taken care of twice a day in an ideal case. Frequent use of mouthwash that can vanish bacteria can also help.
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Scaling and Root Planning
Getting scaling and/or root planing treatment at a dentist’s clinic can reduce the risk of developing Gingivitis.
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Get Dental Checkups Periodically
Moreover, a dental care professional is a sure-shot solution to all the discomfort that Gingivitis brings. For healthy gums and teeth, reach out to your dentist for an oral health checkup. If you are residing in Salem, Massachusetts or a nearby area Book your appointment or Contact Us on 978-607-0110.
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.