Gingivitis
- Diş Hekimi Musa Karaca
- October 4, 2024
- Blogs
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Gingivitis
Oral and dental health is an integral part of our overall health and directly contributes to the healthy functioning of our body. Healthy teeth and gums not only provide an aesthetic appearance, but also play an important role in the smooth performance of vital functions such as chewing and speaking. However, gum problems, especially gingivitis, are a common problem faced by many people and can seriously threaten oral health. Ignoring the symptoms of gingivitis can pave the way for more serious gum disease and tooth loss. Therefore, not neglecting teeth and gum care is critical for our overall health.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a common gum disease that threatens oral health and occurs when the gums become inflamed due to a bacterial infection. Plaque accumulated on the tooth surface and gum line is the main cause of this infection. Plaque is a sticky layer of food debris, bacteria and saliva. If these plaques are not removed by regular brushing and flossing, they will irritate the gums over time and lead to gingivitis.
The most obvious symptoms of gingivitis include redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding in the gums. Noticing bleeding in the gums, especially during tooth brushing or flossing, may be a sign of inflammation. Additionally, in some cases, changes such as receding gums or teeth appearing longer may also be observed. Bad breath is also one of the common symptoms of gingivitis.
Left untreated, gingivitis can progress over time and develop into a more serious stage, periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious problem that affects the bone tissue surrounding the teeth, leading to loosening of the teeth and even tooth loss. Periodontitis can also have negative effects not only on oral health but also on overall health. Studies show that untreated periodontitis may be linked to systemic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The main cause of gingivitis is plaque and bacteria accumulated on the teeth. Bacteria naturally found in the mouth create a sticky substance called plaque on the surface of the teeth, and when this plaque is not cleaned regularly, it accumulates around the gums and causes inflammation. Inadequate oral hygiene and neglecting tooth brushing and flossing increase plaque and tartar accumulation, which accelerates the formation of gingivitis.
In addition, hormonal changes cause the gums to become more sensitive and the risk of inflammation increases, especially during periods such as pregnancy, adolescence, and menopause. Smoking is a major factor that triggers inflammation by weakening the healing capacity of the gums, and bleeding gums in smokers are often less noticeable, which can lead to the problem being overlooked.
In addition, nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin C deficiency, make gums more vulnerable to infections. Crooked teeth or teeth clenching habits can also put too much pressure on the gums and trigger inflammation. Finally, stress plays an effective role in the emergence of gingivitis as it weakens the immune system and reduces resistance to infections.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Symptoms of gingivitis are often considered early warning signs of problems with gum health. These symptoms may be mild at first, but if not treated in time, they can progress and lead to more serious gum problems. Bleeding noticed while brushing or flossing is one of the most common and noticeable symptoms of gingivitis. Healthy gums do not bleed, so bleeding gums in the early stages of inflammation are a warning that should be taken seriously.
Another common symptom is redness and swelling of the gums. Inflamed gums often appear redder than the pale pink color of healthy gums and feel swollen to the touch. Such swelling and redness of the gums usually indicate the presence of infection. Additionally, increased sensitivity and pain in the gums are also signs of inflammation. As gums become inflamed, they may become more sensitive to hot or cold foods, causing discomfort and pain inside the mouth.
Bad breath is another common symptom of gingivitis. The accumulation of bacteria along the gum line leads to infection, which causes bad breath. If this odor does not go away despite oral hygiene, it may be a symptom of gingivitis.
As gingivitis progresses, it is also possible to see receding gums. This causes the teeth to appear longer because the gums recede over time, exposing the tooth roots. Gingival recession is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a health problem that threatens the health of the teeth.
All these symptoms may appear mildly in the early stages of gingivitis, but if left untreated, the disease can progress and turn into periodontitis, a more serious gum disease. Periodontitis can damage the bones and tissues surrounding the teeth, leading to tooth loss. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of gingivitis early and receiving appropriate treatment is of great importance in protecting oral health.
What is Good for Gingivitis?
It is possible to treat and prevent gingivitis by paying attention to oral hygiene and going to regular dentist check-ups. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day is one of the most basic steps to prevent plaque formation on your teeth. Gently massaging the gums while brushing is also important to maintain the health of the gums. In addition, flossing helps prevent inflammation in the gums by removing plaque and food debris accumulation between the teeth.
Flossing is a habit that many people neglect but is critical for gum health. Regular dentist visits also play a vital role in early diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis. By cleaning the teeth, dentists remove plaque and tartar accumulation and protect the health of the gums. Additionally, the use of antibacterial mouthwashes can also contribute to preventing inflammation in the gums by reducing bacteria in the mouth.
In more advanced stages, the scaling process called “scaling” performed by a professional dentist cleans the plaque and tartar accumulated under the gums, thus stopping the progression of gingivitis. A healthy diet also supports gum health; Consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially rich in vitamin C, helps strengthen gums.
Staying away from sugary foods and drinks is also an important step towards preventing gum inflammation. Finally, it should not be forgotten that smoking is one of the most important factors that increases inflammation in the gums. Smoking negatively affects gum health and makes it difficult for inflammation to heal. Therefore, quitting smoking will have a positive effect on gum health.
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