Champion Dental Clinic
Gingivitis - Causes and How To Treat It
Certainly, not only you but also most people will experience gingivitis at least once in their lifetime. There are many causes leading to gum disease, such as lack of regular dental care and hygiene, traumatic forces causing gingivitis, using sharp toothpicks without proper hygiene causing pus-filled gingivitis, etc. Don't be complacent and neglectful when you have gingivitis because it can cause extremely dangerous complications. Let's explore the causes and consequences of gingivitis in the following article.
What is gingivitis?
gingivitis, also referred to as gingivitis or periodontitis, is a common dental condition that affects many patients today.
It is considered as the mildest manifestation of periodontal disease, characterized by typical symptoms such as red, swollen gums, irritated gum tissues, and redness around the affected area.
The development of gum disease is caused by inadequate dental hygiene that allows harmful bacteria and viruses to grow and cause infection or fungal growth, which eventually leads to inflammation of the gums.
As an infectious disease, if left untreated and not prevented in a timely manner, gingivitis or gingivitis can progress to a more severe condition known as periodontitis, which can significantly affect the entire structure of the teeth and gums, i.e., the periodontium.
In severe cases, long-term gingivitis weakens the connection between the tooth root and surrounding periodontal tissues, leading to decay, tooth loss, or even complete tooth loss.
What are symptoms of gingivitis?
Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease, is a common dental issue that is often difficult to detect in its early stages as it rarely causes pain and is not regularly monitored through diligent dental care. However, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for, including:
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Bleeding gums during or after brushing and flossing
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Swollen, red, and tender gums
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Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
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Receding gums, causing the teeth to appear longer than usual
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Formation of deep pockets or spaces between the teeth and gums
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Loose or shifting teeth
Causes of gingivitis
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, which is not regularly maintained. This creates conditions and opportunities for bacteria and viruses to form plaque on the teeth, which accumulates over time and causes inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues. In addition, there are some other main causes such as:
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Teeth are not properly and adequately cleaned after eating, causing food particles to stick in between teeth. If left for a long time, this can create an environment for bacteria to cause gum inflammation.
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Changes in hormones in the body, especially for women during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, or during menstrual cycles.
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Some pre-existing medical conditions can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of viruses and bacteria easily attacking the gums.
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Gum disease is also common in smokers, as these individuals are essentially already damaging the tooth enamel and roots due to the long-term buildup of cigarette smoke, creating conditions for bacteria to thrive.
>> See more: When should children have baby teeth removed?
Complications from untreated gum disease
Untreated gum disease can lead to periodontitis if not diagnosed and treated early. Here are some complications when the disease progresses:
- Gums bleed spontaneously, even without any pressure.
- Gums become swollen, red, and can have pus.
- Breath begins to have an unpleasant odor.
- The gum tissue becomes softer and more flexible.
- The teeth near the affected area become loose, shift or move from their original position.
Moreover, gum disease can directly or indirectly affect overall health as bacteria from the mouth can travel through the digestive system and other parts of the body, leading to other illnesses or worsening current health conditions. We advise maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and timely treatment of gum disease.
The best way to treat complications from gingivitis is to prevent it from happening in the first place. You should always remember to maintain good oral hygiene and brush your teeth more frequently each day to prevent gum inflammation.
If you are experiencing symptoms of gingivitis and want to find a reliable dental clinic among countless options in Ho Chi Minh City, visit Champion Dental Clinic. Our clinic is equipped with the most modern facilities and medical equipment. In addition, our team of leading experts and dentists will provide you with the best advice and quality examination services.
Vietnamese & English: (028) 5411-2295
中文: (028) 5411-2297 172 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
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