Basic background and information about Gingivitis

Gingivitis


Gingivitis inflammation of the 'gingiva' or gums usually results from accumulating plaque around the base of the teeth, or a build up of impacted food between the teeth or where the teeth meet the gum tissue.

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the exposed portion of the teeth and irritates the gums. It consists of bacteria, saliva and food remains and it accounts for the furry feeling of unbrushed teeth. Bacteria in the plaque break down sugary food remnants creating an acid that erodes the tooth enamel and eats into the tissue of the gum. This bacterial action causes the gums to become swollen, tender and infected. Over enthusiatic tooth brushing or flossing may injure gums making them more susceptable to bacterial attack.

In gingivitis, the gums become purplish red, shiny, soft, swollen, tender and painful to brush. The commonest sign of gingivitis bleeding when you brush your teeth.

In most western countries up to 90 % of the population has some form of gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can result in spread of bacteria into the tissues around the roots of the teeth, which can become so eroded that teeth loosen and may drop out.

A more severe form of the disease is known as acute ulcerative gingivitis, trench mouth or Vincent's stomatitis. This primarily affects adults aged 15 to 35, producing very swollen gums that bleed easily along with crater-like ulcers on the gum tips between the teeth. The breath smells foul and there is a bad taste in the mouth. Treatment of this more severe gingivitis involves a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, followed by removal of the dental plaque from the teeth. Sometimes the antibiotic metronidazole is used to clear up remaining infection.

Gingivitis is more common in those who don't brush their teeth regularly, smokers, pregnant mothers and diabetics (the last groups are particularly prone to dental/gum problems).

To prevent gingivitis, good daily dental hygeine is essential - brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, especially after meals, once daily flossing, after meals chew gum to neutralize acids that attack the teeth and gums, and consult your dentist annually for plaque removal.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

More like this
Women's Health
Men's Health
Illnesses
Treatments
Prevention
Use this page



Privacy Terms | Advertisers | Legal Disclaimer | Contact
© 2007 TheFamilyGP.com