Gingivitis refers to the inflammation of the gums and is a periodontal disease that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. These tissues along with the gums and bone are called the periodontium. Bacteria are normally present in the body, and the mouth presents an ideal environment for them to thrive in, as it is most often moist and warm.
The food that is constantly present in the mouth also contributes to the growth of bacteria. When the body’s immunity is diminished, the bacteria can grow and spread, thereby resulting in infection and inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can range from mild to severe, and in severe cases can also be life threatening. The bacteria live in the plaque which accumulates on the teeth.
Usually individuals with illnesses that weaken the immune system such as leukemia, diabetes and HIV are prone to developing gingivitis. Intake of certain medications, hormonal imbalances during puberty and pregnancy and steroids can also increase the risk of gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis generally include pain, swelling, redness, bleeding and soreness of the gums. Bad breath is also commonly experienced by those affected by gingivitis. The infected gums begin to recede and become discolored. Poor dental hygiene contributes to the occurrence of gingivitis, as without proper brushing and flossing, the plaque build-up increases. Cavity fillings that are faulty, and ill-fitted dentures can also allow the accumulation of plaque.
The best way to protect against gingivitis is to brush and floss the teeth twice every day. To relieve inflamed gums due to gingivitis, you can apply clove oil to the gums. It may burn slightly, but it will aid healing. You may also chew on a clove for a few minutes. Gargling with a saline solution is a very effective way to alleviate the infection of the gums. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gargle with it twice daily. Applying the gel extracted from fresh aloe vera leaves will also help to treat gingivitis. Inflammation can be reduced by applying a solution of baking soda and water. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is also known to be beneficial in treating gingivitis. Gently massaging the gums using your thumb and index finger will help to stimulate blood circulation in the affected areas. You may also use mouthwashes that contain peppermint oil, sage oil or chamomile tincture. Increasing the intake of vitamin C is also necessary for boosting immunity.
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Gingivitis is a very common gum disease that causes swelling and bleeding of the gums. In fact, this condition is so prevalent that most people are not even aware that they are suffering from it. This is because in early stages it may not cause bleeding or pain in the gums. However, left untreated, it may show signs of severe deterioration. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are bleeding gums while brushing teeth, inflammation of gums, and bad breath. The primary cause of gingivitis is plaque formation on the teeth and gums. Plaque forms due to the interaction bacteria and food particles in the mouth and you should regularly brush you teeth so as to not let plaques form. If plaque stays for a few days and is not brushed away properly, it may lead to tartar, which is even more difficult to get rid of, and raises your chance of getting gingivitis. Besides poor oral hygiene, some other reasons that may give rise to gingivitis are: certain medications, infection of gums, malnutrition, consumption of tobacco, diabetes, etc.
A proper cleaning of the teeth by a professional is the first step towards treating gingivitis. Consult a dentist to get a scaling, which is the process of removing plaques and tartars, done. However, once you get a scaling done, it does not guarantee that you will not get gingivitis again. You will need to adhere to a proper oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gum healthy. In fact, by following a proper dental hygiene, it is possible to prevent gingivitis in the first place. The first and foremost thing for practicing oral hygiene is to brush teeth regularly, twice a day, or even frequently, after each meal, so as to never let food particles accumulate in the mouth. Along with brushing, massage your gums with clove oil to improve blood circulation, and gurgle with lukewarm saline water. Vitamin C is known to be helpful for having healthy gums; eat fresh citrus fruits like lemon and oranges to source Vitamin C. You should also increase calcium intake because calcium is helpful for teeth as well as gum. If you do not get adequate amount of calcium through dietary means, you may take calcium supplements. Try eating raw vegetables every day. They are not only rich in vitamins and minerals, but chewing them may also help with blood circulation to the gums. However, take care to avoid any food that causes irritation to the gums.
Visiting a dentist regularly helps in preventing gingivitis or any other dental disorder. So, remember to visit a dentist at regular intervals.
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