What is Gingivitis?

 What is Gingivitis? 

Before starting our topic we should know About the word " itis ". It means " inflammation. If this word add to any term then it means it is the inflammation of that concerned term. Like 

Gingiva + itis = inflammation of gingiva.

Periodontitis = inflammation of Periodontium.

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gums related disease, also called periodontal disease. 

Gingivitis is an early form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth. This can include the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and bone.

Causes

Gingivitis is due to the short-term effects of plaque that deposits on your teeth. If we talk about what is Plaque? you should know about it. Plaque is a sticky material that contain some specific type of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that deposits on your teeth both above, and below the gums. It is also a major cause of tooth decay.

If the plaque is not removed it becomes hard and form  a structure called tartar ( calculus ).  Following things that are discussed below can raise the risk of gingivitis:

1. Certain infections and body-wide (systemic) diseases.
2. Poor oral hygiene
3. Pregnancy in this case because of some hormonal changes that increase the sensitivity of the gums.
4. Uncontrolled diabetes
5. Smoking
6. Misaligned teeth, rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances (such as braces, dentures, bridges, and crowns).
7. Use of certain medicines, including phenytoin, bismuth, and some birth control pills

Many people have some amount of gingivitis. It often develops during puberty or early adulthood because of some hormonal changes. It may last a long time or come back often, depending on the health of your teeth and gums.

Symptoms

followings are the some common symptoms of Gingivitis:

• Bleeding gums on brushing or dental flossing.
• Redness of gums like shown in picture.
• Mouth soreness.
• Gums swelling.
• shiny appearance of gums.
• Bad mouth breathing.
• The main symptoms/signs of gingivitis are red, swollen and bleeding gums.

How A Dentist diagnose gingivitis?

The dentist checks the shape and color of your gingival tissue both on buccal (cheek) and lingual (tongue) side of each tooth. He noticed any type of Swollen, painful, red or peeling gums and the presence of any ulcers or abscesses is, as is the amount of plaque and tartar present. And then he will do his treatment protocol.

Stages of Periodontal Disease?

Stage 1: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by the formation of plaque around the teeth, bleeding gums is one of the most initial symptoms. Although the majority of gingivitis symptoms are usually painless. Subsequently, impeccable oral hygiene as well as regular dental visits and cleanings are essential at this step can help to treat and potentially reverse the disease.

Stage 2: Slight Periodontal Disease

At this stage periodontal disease is not reversible; but it can be managed. At this stage, the infection has reached the bone and consequently has started to destroy bones. Bacteria becomes more destructive, and subsequently led to bone loss. Any treatment will need to involve extensive cleaning of the gums to remove the deeply rooted bacteria deposits on it. 

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontal Disease

At this stage, there are more probing depths, and subsequently even more bacteria can attack the bones and the blood stream as well. Treatment will be similar to slight periodontal disease; however, cleaning will need to be deeper.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontal Disease

This is the final stage of periodontal disease. At this point, the infection has evolved into disease-causing bacteria. This can lead to several issues as gums which ooze pus, teeth loosening, severe pain on chewing, and major bone loss. At this stage surgery is a necessity, as if it is left untreated then it can cause gaps between teeth.

Possible Complications

These complications can occur:

• Gingivitis returns
• Periodontitis
• Infection or abscess of the gums or the jaw bones
• Trench mouth
• Recession

Treatment 

followings are the treatment protocols of gingivitis:

1. mouth/dental cleaning.
2. Brush your teeth twice a day or, better yet, after every meal.
3. Use of soft toothbrushes and replace it after every three months.
4. Daily Flossing.
5. Use a mouth rinse.