Info About the Gum Disease Gingivitus

Gingivitus is the a gum disease which is the inflammation of the gums around the teeth. It may be caused by injury to the gums from over vigorous brushing or flossing or a build up of plaque and tartar from improper cleaning of the teeth. Gingivitus can generally be healed. To prevent gingivitus, you should brush your teeth thoroughly with toothpaste and floss with dental floss everyday.

The symptoms of gingivitus are swollen gums, mouth sores, bright-red, or purple gums, shiny gums, gums that are painless, except when pressure is applied, gums that bleed easily, even with gentle brushing and gums that itch with varying degrees of severity and receding gumline.

Bacterial plaque that accumulates in the spaces between the gums and the teeth is generally the cause of gingivitus. Although these accumulations may be tiny, even microscopic, but the bacteria in them produce foreign chemicals and toxins that cause inflammation of the gums around the teeth. Then over the years, the inflammation might cause deep pockets between the teeth and gums and loss of bone around teeth. If the inflammation in the gums becomes especially well-developed, it can invade the gums and allow tiny amounts of bacteria and bacterial toxins to enter the bloodstream. The patient may not be able to notice this, but studies suggest this can result in a generalized increase in inflammation in the body cause possible long term heart problems.

Treatment for gingivitus may include the dentist performing a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. After that, persistent oral hygiene such as brushing thoroughly and flossing is a must. The removal of plaque is usually not painful, and the inflammation of the gums should be gone between one and two weeks. Anti-bacterial rinses or mouth wash may reduce the swelling and local mouth gels which are usually antiseptic and anaesthetic can also help.