Gingivitis is one of the most common mouth diseases, and it affects millions around the world with varying degrees of intensity, often due to the accumulation of bacteria and plaque on the gum line.
Although its symptoms may begin in a simple way, such as redness of the gums or mild bleeding while cleaning the teeth, its neglect may lead to serious complications, including the decline in the gums or the loss of teeth, therefore, interest in oral health and the prevention of gingivitis through daily hygiene and periodic examination of the dentist is essential to maintain oral and dental health in the long run.
Stages of the development of gingivitis
There are many stages of gingivitis, as we will show the following table:
Stage
Its symptoms
Simple gingivitis
Fully remedy with good dental cleaning
Supporting tissue inflammation
Deeper
Advanced stage
Bone loss and may lead to teeth
Causes of gingivitis
The accumulation of plaque causes gingivitis, which is a sticky layer consisting of food residue and bacteria, if the teeth are not cleaned regularly, gingival irritation and inflammation, along with poor oral hygiene care, is not to brush the teeth twice daily, and not to use the tooth thread or miswak.
Smoking is also one of the most important causes of gingivitis, as it weakens the ability of the gums to fight infection, and reduces blood flow to the gums, in addition to an unhealthy diet, which is the lack of eating vitamin C and minerals necessary for gum health, and the large number of sugars that nourish harmful bacteria.
Genetic factors have a role in exacerbating gingivitis, some people are more likely to be infected by genes, even with good mouth care, as well as chronic diseases lead to gingivitis such as diabetes, as blood flow to the gums decreases, and the immune system weakens.
Symptoms of gingivitis
Symptoms are a number of manifestations, especially blood bleeding, especially when brushing the teeth or using the thread, which is an early and common sign of inflammation, in addition to the redness of the gums.
Likewise, swelling of the gums to become swollen and thick, and you may feel “swollen” when touching it, along with pain or discomfort in the gums, the patient may feel mild pain or discomfort when chewing or when touching the gums.
In addition to the occurrence of a permanent unpleasant mouth, because of the presence of bacteria and tissue inflammation, an unpleasant smell that is difficult to remove with wash alone, and the matter may reach a receding of the gums, as the gum gradually moves away from the teeth, which makes the teeth look longer than normal.
When is gingivitis dangerous?
When gingivitis reaches elderly inflammation, here the problem is not only in the gums, but extends to the bone that supports teeth, which leads to teeth, or permanent dental loss, a clear decline in the gums.
Or when severe or advanced symptoms such as severe gums or teeth, abundant and continuous bleeding, pus or gum secretions, large swelling or abscess (abscess of gums), or difficulty chewing or speaking, or high body temperature (sign of the spread of infection).
It may reach other symptoms, especially if bacteria that cause gingivitis to the bloodstream and reach other organs.
Treatment of gingivitis
Daily oral care should be carried out by brushing the teeth at least twice a day using a paste that contains fluoride, with the use of teeth thread to remove food residue between the teeth, and to use a disinfectant mouthwash.
A professional cleaning of the teeth should also be performed to remove plaque and lime, and deeper cleaning below the gum line.
If the inflammation is average or advanced, drug therapy can be used by using topical antibiotics (gel or wash) or orally if there is a clear infection, or anti -inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling.
In severe cases, surgical intervention can be through gingival surgery, and it is necessary to remove deep lime or to treat bone loss, and it includes procedures such as: gum lifting surgery, gum patching, bone regeneration or tissues using modern techniques.
