Gingivitis, sometimes called gum disease or periodontal disease - describes cases of buildup of germs in the oral cavity, which, if not treated properly, may lead to loss. Teeth, as a result of damage to the layer that covers the teeth.
Symptoms of gingivitis:
Certain signs or symptoms of gingivitis may not appear in its initial stages, such as pain. Even in the more advanced stages of it, symptoms may be few and usually very rare, but gingivitis is accompanied in most cases, by signs and symptoms characteristic of it, in particular. Symptoms of gingivitis include:
_ Gums bleed when brushing teeth.
_ Redness, swelling and sensitivity of the gums.
_ Permanently emitting a bad smell, or bad taste, from the mouth.
_ gum Retraction.
_ Deep gaps / pockets between the gingiva and the tooth surface.
_ Loss of teeth or tooth movement.
_ Changes in the locations of the teeth and in the way they adhere to one another when the jaws are tightened, or changes in the location of dental prosthesis or the location of the crowns of the teeth.
Even if none of these signs are noticed, gingivitis may be present, to a certain degree. And for some, gingivitis may affect only part of the teeth, as if it only affects the molars.
A dentist, or a specialist in periodontics, can diagnose and determine the severity of gingivitis.
Causes and risk factors for gingivitis:
The causes of gingivitis is the formation of a layer of germs (plaques) on the surfaces of the teeth.
In addition to them, there are reasons that can cause gingivitis, such as:
_ Hormonal changes: such as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, in puberty, in menopause or during the menstrual cycle. These hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the teeth and increase the possibility of gum infections.
_ Other diseases: Other diseases in the body may affect the condition and integrity of the gums. Among these diseases: Cancer or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which affect the immune system in the body. Also, diabetes, which affects the body's ability to absorb the sugars in different foods, which makes people with diabetes more likely than others to develop dental infections, including gingivitis.
_ Taking some medications: Some medications may affect the integrity of the oral cavity, since some of them cause a decrease in saliva production. Saliva has properties and advantages that provide protection for the gums and teeth. Some medications, such as anticonvulsant drugs (Convulsion), such as Dilantin and medications to treat pharyngitis, such as (Procardia) and Adalat, can cause an abnormal layer (of tissue) to form on the gums.
_ Bad habits: such as smoking, it may damage the gums' ability to regenerate or recover, automatically.
_ Wrong hygiene habits: such as not brushing teeth or not using dental floss on a daily basis. These habits can facilitate gingivitis.
_ Family history: The presence of inflammatory gum disease in the family may contribute to the occurrence of gingivitis on a genetic basis.
Diagnosing gingivitis:
Discovering the symptoms of gingivitis during a regular, routine visit to the dentist, the doctor examines the following matters:
_ Bleeding in the gums, the presence of swelling, the presence of pockets (in the spaces between the gums and the teeth. The larger and deeper the pockets, the more severe and dangerous the gingivitis).
_ Teeth movement, tooth sensitivity and general healthy tooth structure.
_ Examination of the jaw bones to detect atrophy or fragility (weakness) in the bones that surround and support the teeth.
Gingivitis treatment:
Anti-inflammatory gingivitis treatment aims to stimulate and facilitate the re-adhesion (re-adhesion) of healthy gum tissue to the surfaces of the teeth in a healthy way, relieve swelling and reduce the depth of the pockets, and thus treat the gums and reduce the risk of gingivitis, or curb and stop the exacerbation of existing gingivitis.
Gum treatment alternatives differ according to the stage the disease has reached, as well as how the patient’s body responds to previous treatments for gingivitis, in addition to the patient’s general health.
The possibilities for treating gums range from treatments that do not require surgical procedures aimed at controlling and reducing the amount of germs, to treatments that require surgical procedures aimed at restoring the supporting layer of the tooth.
It is possible to completely treat the gums from infections, in almost all cases, by observing and treating the layer of germs that accumulate on the teeth.
Proper treatment of germs layer includes professional cleaning at a specialist, twice a year, in addition to the use of dental advice and the care to clean the teeth with the brush on a daily basis.
Prevention of gingivitis:
_ Brushing the teeth: Brushing the teeth prevents the accumulation of germs on the surface of the teeth
_ Dental floss: While the use of dental advice helps to get rid of food remnants and germs and remove them from the spaces between the teeth and below the gum line.
_ Mouthwash: According to the directions of the American Dental Association, anti-bacterial mouthwash products can help reduce the amount of germs in the mouth, which in turn lead to the formation of germ layer and the occurrence of gum infections.
_ Healthy habits: In addition, changing daily and health habits may be beneficial in reducing the risk of gingivitis, or its severity and severity. Among these habits:
_ stop smoking.
_ Not to be subjected to psychological stress.
_ Maintain a balanced diet.
_ Refrain from pulling the teeth forcefully.
According to data from the American Academy of Periodontology, 30% of people who maintain oral hygiene and maintain a healthy lifestyle are at a high risk of developing gingivitis for genetic reasons.
People at risk of developing gingivitis due to hereditary reasons are six times more likely than others to develop gingivitis. If one of the family members has suffered, or suffers from, gum disease, it is likely that other family members will develop it.
If a person has a natural susceptibility to gum disease, it is likely that the treating doctor will advise him to perform dental examinations at a higher rate than normal, in close intervals, to conduct professional dental cleaning at the specialist at close intervals and to undergo the necessary treatments to keep the disease under constant follow-up and monitoring.