Gingivitis is a common disease that results in gums or gingiva irritation, redness, and inflammation. The common cause of this condition is bacteria or plaque accumulated in the mouth. While gingivitis may not start severe, leaving it untreated can lead to periodontitis, a disease leading to the loss of teeth.
Symptoms for this type of infection can include red and swollen gums that usually bleed when brushed. Unfortunately, true gingivitis can be difficult to diagnose since the symptoms are typically mild in most cases. You will not know you have a severe condition until it has advanced significantly.
For more information about gingivitis and its cause and treatment, you can read this article.
Two Main Types Of Gingivitis
1. Dental Plaque-Induced Gingival Disease
This type of gingivitis can be due to plaque buildup because of malnutrition or a particular medication.
2. Non-plaque Induced Gingival Lesions
Some bacteria, viruses, or fungi may cause this type of gingivitis. Sometimes this can be caused by systematic conditions such as allergic reactions, genetic factors, reactions to foreign bodies, or no specific cause.
Causes Of Gingivitis
The most typical cause of gingivitis is the presence of bacterial plaque between and around your teeth. If the plaque is left uncured and extends under the gum line, it can lead to severe complications like infection and loss of teeth. So you better rush yourself for a dental emergency appointment once you witness swelling or bleeding in your gums.
Dental plaque is a biofilm that naturally exists on the teeth, which occurs if bacteria are trying to stick to the surface of your teeth. It can also result in tooth decay, gum infection, gingivitis, and other periodontal problems.
If you do not consult a dentist and the gingivitis remains untreated for a long time, it can lead to hardening, resulting in tartar around the gums. You can notice it by spotting yellow particles around your gingiva.
Other Causes and Risk Factors of Gingivitis
- Gingivitis can also be because of hormonal imbalances. Usually, it occurs during the puberty stages, menopause, monthly menstruation, or pregnancy. There could be hormonal changes in your body that might cause your gums to be more sensitive, increasing the risk of inflammation and bad reactions to bacteria.
- Other diseases are subject to having a higher risk of accumulation of gingivitis. Some conditions include cancer and HIV.
- Certain medications can also cause gingivitis. Some drugs make the teeth produce less saliva, resulting in abnormal growth of tissue around your gums.
- Studies show that smokers tend to have a higher chance of developing gingivitis than those who do not smoke.
- Age can also be a factor for developing the disease, as well as family history.
Treatments for Gingivitis
The best way to treat your gingivitis is to hurry to an emergency dentist as soon as you notice something wrong with your gums. An early diagnosis and proper treatment can quickly reverse the effects of gingivitis.
The Bottom Line
Gingivitis is a disease that can be treated only by a dental professional. So as soon as you realize that something is going on with your gums, the best thing to do is book an appointment with the nearest clinic before it leads to a worse disease such as periodontitis and other periodontal problems.
If you need an emergency dentist in Raleigh, NC, you should visit Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry. Our team provides a full range of dental services, including family dentistry, emergency dental services, and other essential dental treatments. Book an appointment today!
