Gingivitis, sometimes called gum disease or periodontal disease, describes cases of the accumulation of germs in the oral cavity which, if not treated properly, may eventually lead to tooth loss, as a result of the damage that occurs. It affects the layer that covers the teeth.
Symptoms of periodontitis
Gingivitis in its initial stages without showing certain signs or symptoms such as pain, and even in the later, more advanced stages, the symptoms may be few and very slight.
Although the symptoms and signs that accompany gum disease are usually insignificant and minor, gingivitis is accompanied in most cases by signs and symptoms that are characteristic of it in particular. Symptoms of gingivitis include the following:
Gums bleed when brushing teeth.
Gum redness, swelling and excessive sensitivity.
Permanent foul odor or taste from the mouth.
The appearance of deep gaps between the gums and the surface of the tooth.
Loss of teeth or movement of teeth.
Changes in the locations of the teeth and the shape of their meeting and adhesion to one another when the jaws are closed.
Changes in the location of the artificial teeth (Dental prosthesis) or in the location of the dental crowns (Crown Tooth).
Even if you do not notice any of these signs, it is possible that there is inflammation in the gums to a certain degree, and in some people, gingivitis may affect only part of the teeth, such as affecting only the molars. A dentist or a periodontist 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 on the surfaces of the teeth. In addition to them, there are other reasons that can cause gingivitis, such as:
1. Hormonal changes
Like the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, puberty, menopause or during the menstrual cycle, these hormonal changes increase tooth sensitivity and increase the possibility of gum infections.
2. Take some medication
Some medications may affect the integrity of the oral cavity because some of them cause a decrease in saliva production and cause an abnormal layer to form on the gums. Saliva has properties and benefits that provide protection for the gums and teeth.
Some medicines such as
Anticonvulsants, such as Dilantin
Medicines to treat pharyngitis such as: Procardia and Adalat.
3. Bad habits
Smoking can damage the gums'' ability to regenerate or heal automatically.
4. Wrong hygiene habits
Such as not brushing the teeth or not using dental floss on a daily basis, these habits facilitate the emergence of inflammation in the gums.
5. Family history
The presence of gingivitis diseases in the family may contribute to the occurrence of gingivitis on a genetic basis.
6. Other diseases
Other diseases in the body may affect the position and health of the gums, among these diseases:
Cancer.
AIDS, which affect the body''s immune system.
Diabetes, which affects the body''s ability to absorb sugars found in various foods, makes people with it more at risk than others of developing dental infections, including gingivitis.
Complications of periodontitis
Complications include
Recurrence of periodontal abscesses.
Increased damage to the periodontal ligament, which is the tissue that connects the tooth to the socket.
Increased damage and loss of the alveolar bone, which is the jawbone that contains the dental sockets.
Gum recession.
Loose teeth.
Tooth loss.
Diagnosis of periodontitis
Discovering symptoms of gingivitis during a regular, periodic visit to the dentist, where the doctor examines the following:
Bleeding in the gums.
The presence of bulges in the spaces between the gums and teeth, the larger and deeper the pockets, the more severe and dangerous the gingivitis.
Teeth move.
Tooth sensitivity.
Examination of the jaw bones to detect atrophy or fragility in the bones that surround and support the teeth.
Gingivitis treatment
Periodontal anti-gingivitis treatment aims to stimulate and facilitate the re-adhesion of healthy gum tissue to the tooth surfaces in a healthy way, reduce swelling and reduce the depth of pockets, and thus treat the gums and reduce the risk of gingivitis or stop the exacerbation of existing gingivitis.
Gum treatment natives differ according to the stage of the disease and how the patient’s body responds to previous treatments for gingivitis, in addition to the patient’s general health condition.
Gum treatment possibilities range from treatments that do not require surgical procedures aimed at controlling and limiting the amount of germs, to treatments that require surgical procedures aimed at restoring the tooth-supporting layer.
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 the layer of germs includes professional cleaning by a specialist every six months, in addition to using dental advice and making sure to brush the teeth on a daily basis.
Prevention of periodontitis
Methods of prevention include
1. Brushing the teeth
Brushing the teeth prevents the build-up of germs on the surface of the teeth
2. Using dental floss
While the use of dental advice helps to get rid of leftovers and germs and remove them from the spaces between the teeth and under the gum line.
3. Use mouthwash
According to the guidelines of the American Dental Association, antibacterial mouthwash products can help reduce the amount of germs in the mouth, which in turn leads to the emergence of a layer of germs and the occurrence of gum infections.
4. Follow healthy habits
In addition, changing daily and healthy habits may be useful in reducing the risk of gingivitis, or its severity and severity. Among these habits:
stop smoking.
Not being exposed to psychological pressure.
Maintaining a balanced diet.
Refrain from pulling on the teeth vigorously.
According to data from the American Academy of Periodontology, 30% of people who maintain oral hygiene and maintain a healthy lifestyle are at high risk of developing gum infections for genetic reasons.
People who are susceptible to gingivitis for genetic reasons are six times more likely to develop gingivitis than others. If a family member has suffered or is suffering from gum disease, it is likely that other family members will be affected by it.
If a person has a natural susceptibility to gum disease, it is likely that the attending physician will advise him to conduct dental examinations at a higher frequency than usual, at frequent intervals, to carry out professional cleaning of the teeth with the specialist at frequent intervals, and to undergo the necessary treatments to keep the disease under constant follow-up and monitoring.
