Gingivitis or gingivitis is inflammation of the gumsi which is characterized by reddening of the gums around the root of the tooth. GIngivitis occurs when food residue on the teeth and gums hardens into plaque.
Gingivitis must be treated immediately to prevent tooth and gum damage. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a serious infection that can damage the teeth and surrounding bone. This condition can cause teeth to fall out easily.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Symptoms of gingivitis often go unnoticed by the sufferer. Gingivitis can even occur without any symptoms at all. Some of the symptoms experienced by people with gingivitis include:
- Gums bleed easily when brushing your teeth or flossing between your teethflossing).
- Swollen and sore gums.
- The color of the gums is red black.
- Bad breath.
- Pain when chewing food.
- The gums shrink, so that the roots of the teeth are visible.
- There is pus between the teeth and gums.
- Dentures don't feel right anymore.
- Teeth fall out or fall out.
When to go to the dentist
It is recommended that you check the condition of your teeth and gums to the dentist every six months. Get regular checkups if you have bleeding gums, swollen gums, or if you have gum disease.
Immediately see a dentist if you experience symptoms of gingivitis or gingivitis. Early examination can prevent periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can lead to infection and tooth decay.
Causes of Gingivitis
Gingivitis is caused by the formation of plaque due to food debris that sticks to the surface of the teeth and mixes with bacteria in the mouth. If not cleaned, plaque will harden and form tartar.
Tartar has a thicker outer layer, so the bacteria inside will be protected and it will be easier for them to multiply. If left unchecked, germs will erode the gums and cause gingivitis.
Gingivitis Risk Factors
Gingivitis can be experienced by anyone. Even so, there are a number of conditions that make a person more at risk of developing gingivitis, namely:
- Oral health is not maintained because you are lazy to brush your teeth.
- Elderly.
- Family history of gingivitis.
- Improper use of dentures.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco habits.
- Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or the effects of using birth control pills.
- Lack of nutrients, including vitamin C.
- Dry mouth.
- Viral infection or fungal infection.
- Certain diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, leukemia, and diabetes.
- Taking calcium antagonists or anti-seizure drugs.
- Undergo cancer treatment.
Gingivitis Diagnosis
The dentist will detect gingivitis by checking for signs of inflammation in the oral cavity. When gingivitis occurs, the pockets between the teeth and gums become deeper.
If necessary, the doctor will take X-rays of the teeth to see if there are broken teeth in the gum pocket.
Gingivitis Treatment
Treatment of gingivitis or inflammation of the gums aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Some of the treatment methods to treat gingivitis are:
- Teeth cleaning (scaling) and root canal treatment (root planing) using lasers or sound waves.
- Filling or replacement of cavities or damaged teeth, if these conditions are associated with gingivitis.
To help the recovery process and prevent gingivitis from happening again, take the following simple steps:
- Brush your teeth after waking up and before going to bed. It would be better if brushing teeth is also done after every meal.
- Use a soft toothbrush and replace it every three or four months.
- Floss between your teeth at least once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash or mouthwash to reduce plaque between your teeth.
- Clean your teeth at the dentist, at least twice a year. However, if you have dental and gum disease and are at risk of developing gingivitis, clean your teeth at the dentist more often.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
Gingivitis Complications
In children, gingivitis can often recur and last a long time (chronic), so the child will often experience swollen gums and bleeding gums.
If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which is a gum infection that spreads to the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth. To treat gingivitis that is already severe, antibiotics are usually needed.
Besides being able to cause loose teeth and fall out, periodontitis can trigger disorders of the heart and lungs. This can occur when the bacteria that causes periodontitis enter the bloodstream through the gum tissue.