Gingivitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Gingivitis is a common non-destructive gingival disease. It causes inflammation of the gums and is considered a mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease).

It's important to take gingivitis seriously or else it can cause serious dental problems like periodontitis and loss of all the teeth. It is possible to cure or reverse it with timely dental treatment.

Types of Gingivitis

Gum diseases are divided into two different types

Gingivitis
Periodontitis

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Symptoms of Gingivitis

The symptoms of gingivitis are

Swollen gums
Bleeding gums
Sore gums
Red gums
Halitosis or Bad Breath
Gum recession
Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Pain while chewing foods.

When to see a Doctor?

Follow your regular dental checkups. If you detect any gingivitis symptoms, make a dental appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. As this gum disease can be cured or reversed, it is crucial that its symptoms are not ignored and its progression to periodontitis is stopped with timely dental treatment.

Get the best treatment for gingivitis from our dentists at Medicover Hospitals.

Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis occurs when plaque and bacteria accumulate on teeth and gums, leading to inflammation. Key causes include:

Plaque Buildup: Plaque forms on teeth when bacteria mix with food particles and saliva. If not removed, it irritates the gums.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Irregular brushing and flossing allow plaque to harden into tartar, which irritates the gum line.
Smoking or Tobacco Use: Tobacco weakens gum tissue and promotes plaque buildup, increasing the risk of inflammation.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can make gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria.
Certain Medical Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or cancer can increase susceptibility to gum infections.
Medications: Some drugs reduce saliva flow or cause gum overgrowth, creating a favorable environment for bacteria.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin C, can weaken gum tissue and impair healing.
Crooked or Crowded Teeth: Misaligned teeth can trap food and make cleaning difficult, leading to bacterial growth.
Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva makes it harder to wash away food particles and neutralize acids, promoting bacterial growth.
Family History: Genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of developing gum diseases.

Risk Factors Of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. Several factors can increase the risk of developing gingivitis, including:

Poor oral hygiene
Chewing tobacco
Smoking
Few medications and conditions that dry the mouth
Mouth breathing during sleep
Orthodontic braces
Old age
Genetic factors
Stress
Vitamin C deficiency
Improper dental restorations cause gum irritation.
Certain conditions can cause low immunity, such as leukaemia, HIV/AIDS and cancer treatment.
Hormonal changes related to pregnancy, menstrual cycle or use of contraceptive pills
Certain viral and fungal infections
Mental health issues like depression

Stages

Gingivitis progresses through distinct stages if left untreated:

Initial Stage (Early Gingivitis)
- Symptoms: Mild gum redness, swelling, and slight bleeding during brushing or flossing.
- Cause: Plaque buildup on teeth and gums.
Moderate Stage
- Symptoms: Increased swelling, tenderness, and more frequent gum bleeding.
- Effects: Early gum recession and plaque hardening into tartar.
Advanced Stage (Severe Gingivitis)
- Symptoms: Gums become very swollen, painful, and bleed easily. Persistent bad breath is common.
- Risks: Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, with gum and bone loss around teeth.

Early treatment and proper oral hygiene can prevent gingivitis from advancing to severe stages. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are essential.

Prevention of Gingivitis

It is possible to prevent gingivitis by practising good oral health care habits and getting regular dental check-ups. Follow the below-given oral hygiene tips to stay away from dental problems.

Brush teeth for at least two minutes twice a day - morning and before bedtime.
Use mouthwash
Drink more water
Use no tobacco products.
Quit smoking
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages
Thoroughly clean the tongue.
Do flossing once a day
Replace the toothbrush every three to four months.
Eat a healthy, fibre-rich diet and reduce intake of sugary foods and drinks.
Go for regular dental check-ups
Follow the correct brushing techniques.

Diagnosis of Gingivitis

The following steps are used to diagnose gingivitis:

Medical History Review: The dentist will ask about your oral hygiene habits, smoking history, medical conditions, and any medications you take that could affect gum health.
Oral Examination: The dentist will check your gums for signs of redness, swelling, tenderness, bleeding and receding gum lines.
Plaque and Tartar Assessment: The dentist will examine for the presence of plaque buildup calcified into hardy tartar around the teeth and gumline.
Probing Depths: The dentist uses a periodontal probe to measure the space between your gums and teeth. Depths deeper than 3 mm could signify gingivitis or more advanced gum disease.
X-rays: Dental X-rays may be taken to look for bone loss or assess the severity of gum disease.
Additional Tests: The dentist may also check for underlying conditions such as diabetes or other systemic factors contributing to gum inflammation.

If you can catch it early, gingivitis can be treated and prevented from developing into more serious, damaging gum diseases like periodontitis. Watch for signs of gum disease. Dental visits help!

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Treatments of Gingivitis

Early dental treatment reverses symptoms of gingival disease and prevents its progression to dental periodontitis. It includes

Dental cleaning: A dental hygienist or a dentist will perform a dental procedure known as scaling and root planing to remove dental plaque, tartar, stains, and other stuck food particles that trigger dental caries.
Dental restoration: This is done to correct misaligned teeth or poorly fitting crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations that are causing irritation to the gingival tissues and causing plaque buildup. Adopt healthy eating habits such as avoiding eating sticky and sugary foods and practising home dental hygiene to keep dental problems at bay.

Dos and Don’ts

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Its symptoms include gum swelling pain, and easy bruising during tooth brushing. Ignoring its symptoms can lead to periodontitis and also affect the overall health of the person. Its treatment includes dental cleaning involving scaling and root planning and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Do’s	Don’ts
Maintain good oral health	Smoke and chew tobacco products.
Stick to proper tooth brushing techniques.	Compromise with brushing your teeth regularly
Use fluoride toothpaste	Take much sugary foods and soda beverages.
Regular dental check-ups	Ignore the treatment if you are diabetic
Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months.	Eat too hot or too cold food items.

Follow the do’s and don'ts for gingivitis to prevent gingival diseases and other serious dental issues. Gingivitis is a reversible condition, so treating it on time can prevent serious dental problems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is at risk of getting gingivitis?

People at higher risk of gingivitis include those with poor oral hygiene, smokers, pregnant women, people with diabetes, and those with certain medications or hormonal changes.

How to avoid gingivitis?

To prevent gingivitis, practice good oral hygiene: brush teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, use an antimicrobial mouthwash, and visit the dentist regularly for cleanings.

How to stop bad breath from gingivitis?

To reduce bad breath from gingivitis, maintain proper oral hygiene, brush your tongue, use mouthwash, stay hydrated, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings.

Can gingivitis be cured?

Yes, gingivitis is reversible with proper dental care, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Early treatment can restore gum health and prevent further complications.

How can you tell the difference between periodontitis and gingivitis?

Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily but does not affect bone or teeth stability. Periodontitis involves gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and persistent bad breath.

How long does it take for gingivitis to turn to periodontitis?

The progression from gingivitis to periodontitis varies depending on factors like oral hygiene, smoking, and medical conditions. It can take a few months to years without proper care.

What are the complications of gingivitis?

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to:Periodontitis (severe gum disease), Gum recession, Tooth loss, Increased risk of systemic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.