If you are trying to learn more about gingivitis, you might find that a lot of the information out there is hard to understand. Here we define gingivitis and take a look at some common symptoms as well as possible gingivitis causes, using non-technical language that is easy to follow.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria that can sometimes lead to tooth loss. Early intervention is important if you want to fix the problem and keep your teeth. If you catch the first signs of gingivitis, the prognosis is excellent. Proper dental care can completely reverse gingivitis in its early stages.
On the other hand, if you ignore gingivitis symptoms, it can progress into periodontitis. As the bacteria in the plaque spreads below your gums and into your tooth, it can eat away at the bone and gum tissue. This causes the tooth or teeth to loosen and eventually fall out and is the top reason for adult tooth loss.
Once it reaches this stage, there is little that can be done to save the teeth so it’s best not to let it reach that point in the beginning. To avoid tooth loss, it’s important to know the symptoms of gingivitis so you can get help right away.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Here are some of the most common gingivitis symptoms. Keep in mind that sometimes the symptoms are very mild, especially in the early stages. Also, gingivitis doesn’t always affect every tooth, so if you notice these gingivitis signs only in some of your teeth, you should still mention it to your dentist.
- Bleeding while brushing teeth. One of the most common gingivitis symptoms is bleeding when you brush your teeth. If this only happens once in a while, it could just be due to more vigorous brushing than usual. However, it happens all the time, it could be a very early sign of gingivitis and is definitely a reason to call your dentist.
- Gums pull away from teeth and/or pockets form between your gums and teeth. Receding gums are often a sign of gingitivis. If you notice your gums starting to pull back from your teeth, seek dental care right away. If it gets so bad that pockets form, you might have acute gingivitis and you will probably need to have a deep cleaning procedure done to help minimize the damage to your teeth.
- Gums look swollen or irritated. Red gums are often the first sign of gingivitis that people notice. If your gums feel tender or hurt when you touch them, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist.
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis). Everyone has bad breath from time to time. If your breath is horrendous after eating roasted garlic, that’s normal. But if your breath is always bad, even shortly after brushing, something more sinister may be going on. Constantly having a bad taste in your mouth is another sign to watch out for. The bacteria that cause gingivitis can make your breath worse. It’s actually the smell of your teeth slowly rotting away from the inside so it’s a good idea to do something about it right away.
- Teeth that move. Healthy teeth are rigid. If you have any teeth that can be wiggled even slightly, you could be in danger of developing gum disease. Another more subtle gingivitis symptom is a change in the alignment of your teeth or fit of dental devices.
Causes of Gingivitis
What causes gingivitis? Although the answer can be complex, plaque is the main cause of gingivitis. If this buildup is not properly cleaned and allowed to accumulate on the teeth, bacteria will thrive and eventually work their way up into the gums, the teeth, and finally the bone and root of the tooth. Therefore, improper cleaning is also one of the big causes of gingivitis.
Hormones can play a role as well. Conditions such as menopause and pregnancy can cause the gums to become more sensitive, increasing your susceptibility to mild gingivitis. This increased sensitivity can also happen on a smaller scale during menstruation.
Medical conditions that affect the immune system, such as cancer and HIV, make it easier for bacteria to multiply and enter the inside of the tooth. Some medications can also affect the gums as well. It’s a good idea to ask your doctor if any medications you are taking can cause gum disease, especially if you are already noticing signs of gingivitis.
Genetics play a role as well. If other people in your family, such as your parents or grandparents, have had gingivitis, you have an increased chance of developing this issue as well so you should be especially vigilant about tooth care.
Is Gingivitis Contagious?
All of this talk of bacteria may lead you to wonder, is gingivitis contagious? The simple answer is no, it is not. You cannot catch gingivitis from kissing or sharing food with someone who has gingivitis.
However, if you share the same lifestyle as a person with gingivitis, you are more likely to get it yourself. That is to say, if you and your partner both smoke and don’t floss, you might both end up with gingivitis despite it not being contagious. Also, due to the genetic component of gingivitis, it’s possible for family members to all have gingivitis but this does not mean it has spread from one person to another.
If you notice any of these gingivitis symptoms, contact your dentist right away to increase the chances of successful treatment.
Wed, Jan 11, 2012
Conditions, Gums