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Gingivitis - Gingivitis symptom, treatment, causes

Inflammation of the gums, characterised by redness, swelling, bleeding, tenderness, and usually bad breath. Swelling deepens the crevice between gums and teeth, where pockets containing pus may develop to cause a condition called pyorrhoea. Gingivitis is common and may be acute, chronic or recurrent.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It is often the initial stage of gum disease. It is not a chronic disease, but if not attended at the right time, it can take an ugly shape in future. Gingivitis is usually develops during puberty or early adulthood due to hormonal changes and may persist or recur frequently, depending on how healthy your teeth and gums are. Gingivitis associated with bony changes is referred to as periodontitis. Gingivitis is an infectious disease of the gums which, if left untreated, can progress to periodontal disease. Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis may be caused by the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque is a sticky material that develops on the exposed portions of the teeth, consisting of bacteria, mucus, and food debris. It is a major cause of tooth decay. Medications such as phenytoin and birth control pills, and ingestion of heavy metals such as lead and bismuth are also associated with gingivitis. It usually takes place due to bad oral hygiene. Acute membranous gingivitis goes by many other names including acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, fusospirillary gingivitis, fusospirillosis, and fusospirochetal gingivitis. Symptoms develop rapidly over a day or so and include very painful, bleeding gums; foul breath, crater-like ulcers covered with a greyish membrane, particularly on the points of gums between the teeth; and swollen glands around the jaws.

Gingivitis can be reversed with good dental hygiene. If it progresses to gum disease, it can't be reversed, but you can halt or greatly slow down the damage to the gums. Injury or trauma to the gums can also cause gingivitis. Injury can be a result of overly vigorous brushing or flossing of the teeth, can also cause gingivitis. Another possible cause is an allergy to something else such as food or fleas which may manifest itself as skin and oral lesions called feline eosinophilic granuloma. The gums appear red rather than a healthy pink. They swell and become movable instead of being firm and tight against the teeth. The gums may bleed easily, especially while brushing or eating. In severe cases of plaque-induced gingivitis, the pillowcase may be bloodstained in the morning. Because Gingivitis symptoms are easy to ignore people often do just that. Many gingivitis patients don't even know they have Gingivitis because they have no obvious symptoms. You can help prevent gingivitis by developing good oral hygiene. Brush and floss everyday and see a dentist regularly. Medical conditions that might cause or worsen gingivitis should be treated or controlled. If a person must take a drug that causes gum tissue overgrowth, the excess gum tissue may need to be removed surgically.

Causes of Gingivitis

The most frequent single cause of gingivitis is poor dental hygiene with a build-up of dental plaque around the base of the teeth. Other localised causes include tartar (calcified plaque), food traps between teeth, and il-fiitting dental plates, caps or crowns. The gum inflammation that often develops during puberty or pregnancy is thought to be aggravated by hormonal factors. Gingivitis may also be a symptom of general illness (for example, in DIABETES MELLTTUS and LEUKAEMIA) and malnutrition (especially in SCURVY and pellagra - vitamin B3 deficiency). The common causes and risk factor's of Gingivitis include the following:

• A substance that forms on teeth called plaque.
• Long-term effects of plaque deposits.
• Local irritants.
• Some seizure medications.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy .
• Poor nutrition.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Smoking.
• Viral and fungal infection.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Symptoms develop rapidly over a day or so and include very painful, bleeding gums; foul breath, crater-like ulcers covered with a greyish membrane, particularly on the points of gums between the teeth; and (usually) swollen glands around the jaws. Treatment is by the use of hydrogen peroxide mouth washes to relieve the symptoms, followed gentle removal of plaque by the dentist Anti bacterial drugs may also be needed. Rest andgool nutrition are essential to recovery, which is usually well on the way within 24 hours. Some sign and symptoms related to Gingivitis are as follows:

• Mouth sores.
• Shiny appearance to gums.
• Pus around the teeth.
• Bad taste in your mouth.
• A change in the color of your gums from a healthy pink to dusky red.
• Tender gums.
• Bleeding gums during brushing or eating.
• Bad mouth taste.

Treatment of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is treated by control of plaque and correction of any other local or general conditions that contiibute to the disorder. Good dental hygiene with regular tooth-brushing and use of dental floss (as demonstrated by your dentist) will prevent most gingivitis. If the problem is recurrent or chronic you may be advised to consult a specialist in gum disorders. Here is list of the methods for treating Gingivitis:

• Daily brushing and flossing and routine cleaning by a hygienist at regular intervals controls simple gingivitis.
• Antibacterial mouth rinses or other aids may be recommended in addition to frequent, careful, tooth brushing and flossing.
• A healthful diet that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Regular check-ups with a dentist are also important. A dentist is able to remove plaque that is too dense to be removed by a toothbrush or dental floss.
• Corticosteroids may be used in severl cases.
• Anti-bacterial rinses or mouthwash may reduce the swelling and local mouth gels which are usually antiseptic and anaesthetic can also help.

Acute ulcerative necrotising gingivitis is a non-contagious, painful, ulcerating infection of the gums, also called trench mouth or Vincent's disease. This can develop in heavy smokers, or people suffering poor dental hygiene, nutritional deficiencies,
or physical or emotional stress (all likely characteristics of soldiers in the trenches of world War I). It is also seen in some debilitating diseases.