Gum Inflammation , 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 that many people face 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 as a result of inflammation of the gums due to a bacterial infection. Plaque that accumulates on the surface of the teeth and at the gum line is the main cause of this infection. Plaque is a sticky layer made up of food residue, bacteria and saliva. If these plaques are not cleaned with regular brushing and flossing, they will eventually cause irritation in the gums and lead to gingivitis.
The most obvious symptoms of gingivitis include redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding in the gums. Especially noticing bleeding in the gums while brushing or flossing can be a sign of inflammation. In some cases, changes such as receding gums or longer teeth can also be observed. Bad breath is also one of the common symptoms of gingivitis.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress over time and turn into a more serious stage, periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious problem that can affect the bone tissue surrounding the teeth, causing loosening of the teeth and even tooth loss. Periodontitis not only affects oral health, but can also have negative effects on general health. Studies show that untreated periodontitis can be linked to systemic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections.
What Causes Gingivitis
The most basic cause of gingivitis is plaque and bacteria that accumulate 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, neglecting to brush and floss, increases the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which accelerates the formation of gingivitis.
In addition, hormonal changes, especially during periods such as pregnancy, adolescence, and menopause, cause the gums to become more sensitive and increase the risk of inflammation. Smoking is an important factor that triggers inflammation by weakening the healing capacity of the gums, and bleeding gums are usually less noticeable in smokers, which can lead to the problem being overlooked.
In addition, nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin C deficiency, make the gums more vulnerable to infections. Tooth misalignment or teeth clenching habits can also trigger inflammation by putting too much pressure on the gums. Finally, stress plays an effective role in the development of gingivitis, as it weakens the immune system and reduces resistance to infections.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Symptoms of gingivitis are generally considered early warning signs of problems in 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 during tooth brushing or flossing is one of the most common and noticeable symptoms of gingivitis. Healthy gums do not bleed, so bleeding gums are a warning that should be taken seriously in the early stages of inflammation.
Another common symptom is redness and swelling in the gums. Inflamed gums usually take on a redder appearance compared to the pale pink color of healthy gums and feel swollen when touched. Such swelling and redness in the gums usually indicate the presence of infection. In addition, increased sensitivity and pain in the gums are also signs of inflammation. As the gums become inflamed, they can become more sensitive to hot or cold foods, which can cause discomfort and pain in the mouth.
Bad breath is another common symptom of gingivitis. The accumulation of bacteria along the gum line leads to infection, which leads to bad breath. If this odor does not go away despite good oral hygiene, it may be a symptom of gingivitis.
As gingivitis progresses, it is also possible for the gums to recede. This causes the teeth to appear longer because the gums recede over time, exposing the roots of the teeth. Gum recession is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a health problem that threatens the health of the teeth.
All of these symptoms may be mild in the early stages of gingivitis, but if left untreated, the disease can progress and turn into periodontitis, a more serious gum disease. Periodontitis damages the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of gingivitis early and receiving appropriate treatment is of great importance for maintaining oral health.
What is Good for Gum Inflammation
Treating and preventing gum inflammation is possible by taking care of oral hygiene and going to the dentist regularly. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most basic steps to prevent plaque formation on your teeth. Gently massaging your gums while brushing is also important to protect your gums. In addition, flossing helps prevent gum inflammation by cleaning plaque and food residue between your 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 gum inflammation. Dentists clean dental tartar to eliminate plaque and tartar accumulation and protect your gums. In addition, the use of antibacterial mouthwashes can also help prevent gum inflammation by reducing bacteria in the mouth.
In more advanced stages, a dental tartar cleaning procedure called “scaling” performed by a professional dentist cleans the plaque and tartar that accumulate under the gums, thus stopping the progression of gum inflammation. A healthy diet also supports gum health; especially the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C helps strengthen the 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 gum inflammation. Smoking negatively affects gum health and makes it difficult for inflammation to heal. Therefore, quitting smoking will have a positive effect on gum health.
