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Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that affects the health of the bone, gum, and soft tissues that surround the teeth, leading to inflammation and tenderness. In its initial stages, this condition is fairly painless, but if ignored, you can develop serious complications and cause permanent damage to your teeth.

Gingivitis is a condition that must be taken seriously because nearly 50% of the adult population suffers from it. Let’s look at in a little more detail and gather some more understanding about it.

What are the causes of gingivitis?

Despite all the medical advancements we’ve seen in the last few decades, the exact causes of gingivitis are unknown. That it is a bacterial condition is common knowledge, but what causes them to make mischief remains a mystery.

However, there are a few theories doing the rounds, the leading one being that those with weak immunity systems are more susceptible to developing this condition. So, people suffering from medical conditions like HIV, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, etc. are at higher risk of getting gingivitis, since their body is too weak to fight off the bacterial infection.

Other possible causes of gingivitis are:

• Hormonal changes (like the kind caused during puberty, menopause, and pregnancy)
• Steroid therapy
• Medication prescribed for organ transplants, seizures, and high BP
• Poorly aligned teeth and ill-fitting crowns and fillings

What are the symptoms of gingivitis?

The symptoms of gingivitis are as follows:

• Redness, swelling, bleeding, and pain in the gums
• Foul odor
• Receding gums
• Presence of yellow or white sores on the inner side of the cheeks
• Teeth become loose or fall out

How do you treat gingivitis?

In its initial stages, gingivitis can be treated by working with your dentist and practicing proper dental hygiene. However, if it develops into acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), also known as trench mouth, you will need antibiotics, possibly treatment at a hospital, and sometimes, a surgery. In addition, you will need a comprehensive tooth and gum cleaning session with your dentist. In rare cases, when the condition develops serious complications, you might have to get bone grafts.

How can you prevent gingivitis?

One of the best ways to prevent gingivitis, or for that matter most other dental problems, is to brush and floss regularly. However, you should ditch your regular toothbrushes and consider switching to electric ones, since they are far more effective at removing gingivitis-causing plaque.

There are also some antibacterial mouthwashes you might find helpful, especially the ones that contain chlorhexidine or chlorine dioxide. They target compounds that contain sulphur, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth and preventing foul breath. Steer clear of traditional mouthwashes, though. They have alcohol in them that will end up irritating your already sensitive gums.

All these measures are only effective at fighting plaque. Once it turns to tartar, you will need the services of a dentist to remove it. Have your teeth professionally cleaned at least once every 6-12 months. That is the key to keeping your teeth healthy and fighting off a range of dental problems. You do your bit, let your dentist do his, and you can enjoy strong and problem free teeth and gums all your life.