Gingivitis: signs, diagnosis, treatment, complications

Gingivitis can usually be treated with proper oral hygiene. Longer and more frequent brushings, as well as the use of dental floss, provide self-healing. Some experts claim that regularly rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash, along with proper brushing and flossing, will also help solve this problem.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious condition and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Patients with gingivitis have redness and swelling of the gums, and slight bleeding during brushing.

In the case of mild gingivitis, the patient may not even be aware of the presence of the disease, because the symptoms are mild. However, any manifestations or suspicions must be taken seriously and dealt with immediately.

The Great Medical Encyclopedia gives the following designation for gingivitis: "This is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque on adjacent teeth, which is characterized by redness, swelling and fibrous enlargement of the gums without resorption of the alveolar bone that lies under it."

There are two main categories of gum disease

associated with plaque:

gingivitis due solely to plaque
gingivitis caused by somatic factors
drug-induced gingivitis
malnutrition gingivitis

non-plaque induced gingival damage

gum disease caused by a specific bacterium
gum disease caused by a specific virus
gum disease caused by a specific fungus
genetic gum disease
gingival inflammation caused by systemic conditions
inflammation of the gums caused by trauma
inflammation of the gums as a reaction to foreign bodies
gum inflammation for no apparent reason

Symptoms and signs of gingivitis A symptom is what the patient feels and can describe, for example, sore gums. A sign is something that a doctor or nurse can see, such as swelling or inflammation. In mild cases of gingivitis, a person does not experience any discomfort, there are no noticeable symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

gingiva has a bright red or purple tint
gums are very sensitive, touch causes pain
gums bleed when brushing teeth
bad breath
gum inflammation
gum recession

Causes of gingivitis Accumulation of plaque and tartar. The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of plaque between and around the teeth. This triggers an immune response which in turn can eventually lead to the destruction of gum tissue and subsequent complications such as tooth loss. Plaque is a biofilm that naturally builds up on teeth. It is usually formed from the colonization of bacteria that are trying to stick to the smooth surface of the tooth. Some experts claim that they can protect the mouth from the colonization of harmful microorganisms. However, plaque can also cause tooth decay and periodontal problems such as gingivitis and chronic periodontitis.

If plaque is not removed in time, it causes tartar to build up at the base of the teeth near the gums (it is yellow in color). Tartar is difficult to remove and can only be done with a professional cleaning.

Plaque and tartar irritate the gums over time.

Gingivitis can have other causes, including:

Changes in hormone levels that can occur during puberty, menopause, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. The gums can become more sensitive, which increases the risk of inflammation
Some diseases like cancer, diabetes and HIV are associated with an increased risk of developing gingivitis
Drugs. Certain substances can affect oral health, especially if salivation is reduced. Dilantin (Dilantin – an anticonvulsant) and some anti-angina drugs can also cause abnormal growth of gum tissue
Smoking. Regular smokers are more likely to suffer from gingivitis than non-smokers.
Hereditary diseases. Experts state that people whose parent(s) suffer from/had gingivitis have a higher risk of developing it.

Diagnosis of gingivitis

The dentist examines the patient for typical symptoms of gingivitis, such as plaque or tartar in the mouth.

It may also be recommended to check for signs of periodontitis by taking an x-ray or probing (examination) of the periodontium.

Gingivitis Treatment

If gingivitis is diagnosed early and treatment is prompt and appropriate, gingivitis can be successfully managed.

Treatment includes professional dental care. Subsequent procedures are carried out by the patient himself at home.

Dental office care includes:

Removal of plaque and tartar. This process is called sediment removal. Some patients find this procedure very painful, especially if the area of tartar is very extensive and the gums are very sensitive
Explaining to the patient the importance of oral hygiene, the effectiveness of brushing, and the use of dental floss
Conduct subsequent cleanings (if necessary)
Bite correction for better oral hygiene
Some tooth problems, such as crooked teeth, poorly placed crowns or bridges, can make it difficult to properly remove plaque and tartar (they can also irritate the gums).

Home oral care includes:

Brushing teeth at least twice a day
Accounting for the fact that electric toothbrushes are more efficient than conventional toothbrushes
Floss once a day
Daily rinsing of the mouth with antiseptic rinses. Your dentist will help you choose a mouthwash.

Possible complications of gingivitis

In most cases, with proper treatment and the patient following all the recommendations of the dentist, complications should not occur. However, if gingivitis is ignored, gum disease can develop and affect tissues, teeth, and bones, leading to periodontitis.

Possible complications of gingivitis include:

abscesses in the gums
abscess of the jawbones
infections of the jawbones and gums
periodontitis – a more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss
recurrent (repeated) gingivitis
Vincent's sore throat – ulceration of the gums caused by a bacterial infection.

Some research has linked gum disease, like periodontitis, to cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Other studies link these diseases to the risk of lung disease.