Gum inflammation is a harmful infection in the mouth that causes damage and inflammation in the gums and jaw.
Gum infections are generally caused by poor dental hygiene over time, as it allows bacteria to build up between the gums and teeth, where they can grow freely. However, several other factors play a role in gingivitis Inflammation of the gums.
Working with a dentist to prevent or treat gum infections is important to avoid complications. Anyone who suspects they have gingivitis should see their dentist.
This article describes the causes, treatment, and prevention of gum infections, and explains when to see a dentist.
Gum inflammation is an accumulation of bacteria in the tissues around the teeth.
The mouth is full of different types of bacteria. Daily hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth and flossing, Help with control the bacteria levels that keep mouth, teeth and gums healthy and prevent tooth decay.
Without this effort, bacteria form a film called a film around the teeth plaque. If a person does not remove plaque, it can harden and turn into tartar, which is very difficult to remove.
The build-up of tartar makes it difficult for teeth to be cleaned, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the area around the teeth and gums.
The buildup of bacteria under the gumline can easily cause an area to become infected.
There are oral hygiene practices that do Help Get rid of these bacteria to prevent infection. Therefore, poor oral hygiene is a direct contributor to tooth decay and oral disease.
The National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research Note that smoking is the most important other risk factor for gum disease in general. In addition, smoking can make treatments less effective.
Other risk factors that can contribute to gum infections lock in::
- diabetes
- hormonal changes in women, like those during pregnancy
- genetics
- stress
- crooked teeth
- Medicines that make your mouth dry or that slow the flow of saliva
- immunodeficiency
In some cases, oral devices can also add to the risk. For example, dentures or bridges that don’t fit properly can be problematic, as can fillings that are defective.
The symptoms of gingivitis can vary depending on your progress and location. Inflammation of the gums is a sign of overall poor oral health and gum disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Note that Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is the medical name for inflammation in the gums. While technically not an infection at this point, gingivitis can lead to infection or more advanced periodontal disease Periodontal disease.
Typical gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that can bleed easily, e.g. B. when the person is brushing their teeth. Some people may not notice the problem very much at first. However, the inflammation is goes on Symptoms may become more noticeable if the area is infected.
Other signs of gingivitis or gum disease include:
- Pain when chewing
- Spitting up blood after brushing your teeth
- When you spit it out, you can see a pink sheen on the toothpaste
- sensitive teeth
- Lose teeth
- bad breath that won’t go away
- receding gums
- pus Discharge in the mouth
- Changes in the way a person bites or how their teeth fit together when chewing
- Changes in the adaptation of partial dentures
Infection can lead to the formation of a pocket of pus called pus abscesswhich requires immediate treatment. A person with an abscess may experience painful swelling and discharge of pus in the mouth.
Untreated infections can lead to complications. For example, infected tissue can compromise the root of a nearby tooth, which can lead to the complete loss of the tooth.
In addition, infection from infected gum tissue can spread to the jaw or surrounding bone, potentially damaging the tissue. The bacteria can also get into the bloodstream and cause problems in other parts of the body.
Periodontal disease can have links to other problems in the body if a person is not receiving treatment. Lots Studies have studied a link between periodontal disease and several other health problems, such as:
Periodontal disease can increase the risk factors for these problems, or these problems may be more common in people with periodontal disease. However, this relationship doesn’t necessarily mean that one causes the other.
It is important to treat gingivitis promptly to avoid complications.
The CDC Note that good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning can control and treat previous forms of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis.
When plaque turns into tartar, a dentist needs to clean your teeth. Breaking apart this hardened tartar helps a person control inflammation and gum damage through daily brushing and flossing.
ON Inflammation of the gumsor periodontal disease may require treatment such as thorough cleaning of the gums and pockets around the teeth. Any abscesses must also be removed. In some cases, the dentist may need to remove areas of the gums or tissues.
Severe and persistent infections may require oral treatment Antibiotics. In some cases, dentists can inject antibiotics directly into the area to clear the infection.
Advanced cases may require Surgeries such as bone or tissue transplants to prevent or repair damage to the jaw.
As part of treating gingivitis, dentists may advise people to maintain good oral hygiene at home to keep the infection under control.
Proper oral hygiene includes:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- with a medicated mouthwash
- Floss after meals
- Rinse your mouth with fresh water after meals
- Swirl warm salt water around your mouth to reduce puffiness and kill bacteria
Regular professional teeth cleaning and good oral hygiene are important preventive measures against gum inflammation as they help fight bacteria in the mouth.
The American Dental Association What are some general oral health tips to help keep teeth and gums healthy, including:
- stop smoking
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Remove plaque from between teeth with floss, toothpicks, or a water bottle
- Visit the dentist regularly for a check-up and professional cleaning
- Limiting the intake of sugary foods and beverages
There is no guarantee that these efforts will prevent gum infections. However, they can help reduce the manageable risk factors for these infections.
Anyone who suspects they have gingivitis should contact their dentist as soon as possible.
Even in the early stages of periodontal disease like gingivitis, it is important to see a dentist immediately to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Gum infections occur due to a buildup of bacteria in and around the gums.
People can take steps to prevent gum infections, such as: B. Good oral hygiene and tobacco avoidance.
It’s also important to see a dentist for regular checkups, as they can help break off tartar to prevent infection.
Anyone who notices symptoms of gingivitis or gingivitis should see their dentist right away. Early diagnosis and treatment helps prevent complications such as loss of teeth or tissue.
