What is gingivitis and how is it treated?

Gingivitis is an oral disease that affects the gums. It is very common among the population, despite being easily preventable. So, if you think your gums are being affected by symptoms such as bleeding or inflammation, we recommend you read this article to find out what gingivitis is and what you can do to prevent and treat it.

Everything you need to know about gingivitis.

1. What is gingivitis?
2. What are the symptoms of gingivitis?
3. What causes gingivitis?
4. How can gingivitis be prevented?
5. How is gingivitis treated?

1. What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis corresponds to the initial stage of gum disease, which if left untreated can lead to a more serious infection known as periodontitis, which destroys the tissues that support the teeth (gums, periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone).

This oral health problem is, together with caries, one of the most common oral health problems among the population. For this reason, it is important to take into account both the health of the teeth and the health of the tissues that support and protect them.

In fact, this periodontal disease can also lead, in the most extreme cases, to the loss of teeth. But in its initial stage, i.e. gingivitis, it is an easily reversible inflammation, especially if detected in time.

2. What are the symptoms of gingivitis?

Many patients suffering from gingivitis begin with a series of easily identifiable symptoms. In most cases, gingivitis has signs such as:

• Bleeding gums. Generally, healthy gums do not need to bleed. If you experience bleeding while brushing, flossing or even chewing food, it is likely that your gums are affected by gingivitis.
• Inflammation of the gums. Especially patients who wear fixed braces, breathe through their mouths or take certain medications may experience periodontal inflammation or gum enlargement if they are suffering from gingivitis.
• Gum recession. Especially when we carry out traumatic brushing, it is possible to suffer from receding gums.
• A change in the colour of the gums. In some cases, diseased gums affected by gingivitis may show a change in colour. If they are inflamed, it is common to notice that they acquire a reddish and sometimes even purplish tone, but stains may also appear.
• Increased tooth sensitivity. In many cases, people with gingivitis begin to notice increased sensitivity when brushing or chewing food. Sometimes it is also possible to experience a burning sensation in the gums.
• Bad breath or halitosis. Mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, bad breath is very common among patients suffering from gingivitis.

3. What causes gingivitis?

Gingivitis can appear for various reasons. Therefore, depending on its origin we distinguish between:

3.1. Bacterial gingivitis

The main reason why gums are affected by this periodontal disease is the accumulation of bacterial plaque. The plaque that forms between teeth and gums is made up of a sticky film composed of bacteria. These bacteria proliferate in the presence of starches and sugars from food remains and over time the plaque hardens into tartar.

This hardened tartar, which is difficult to remove, creates protection for the bacteria and the supporting tissues begin to be affected. As soon as this accumulation of bacteria causes inflammation, we can say that the first stage of periodontal disease has begun.

3.2. Non-bacterial gingivitis

Although the accumulation of bacterial plaque is usually the main cause of periodontal disease, in some cases it can have another origin. Therefore, we speak of non-bacterial gingivitis when any of the following factors cause gingivitis:

• Aggressive brushing. In many cases, an inadequate brushing technique can cause excessive damage to the gums, leading to the appearance of this disease. When too much pressure is exerted, it is also common to experience recession, sensitivity and bleeding even if there is no tartar build-up.
• Pregnancy. Since hormones play a major role in the appearance of periodontal disease, some women during pregnancy may experience what is known as gestational gingivitis with bleeding and inflammation that may disappear after childbirth, although it is advisable to visit the dentist for a proper examination of the state of health of the gums and teeth.
• Poorly performed orthodontic treatment. Although it is no longer common, you may have heard people say that they experienced gingivitis during their orthodontic treatment. This is due to poor planning and monitoring of the process, caused by too much abrupt tooth movement.
• Stress or anxiety. These conditions can cause a drastic lowering of defences, disabling natural bacterial elimination mechanisms (such as saliva) to perform their normal function, increasing the chances of suffering from gingivitis, especially if the person experiences other risk factors. Hence the need to be aware of them and to maximise oral hygiene measures at home.
• Some medications. Antihypertensives, contraceptives, anti-epileptics or immunosuppressants among other medicines, as well as fertility treatments can affect people and make them more prone to suffer from gingivitis, although, as we have mentioned, the main cause is bacteria.

4. How can gingivitis be prevented?

The most effective way to prevent gingivitis is to avoid the proliferation of bacterial plaque between teeth and gums, as well as the formation of hardened tartar calculus, for which it is essential that we act:

4.1. Performing good oral hygiene at home.

Proper oral hygiene that includes a good brushing technique, the use of dental floss or dental floss to remove food debris in interdental spaces, scraping the tongue and the use of mouthwash is essential. Remember that, as we have mentioned, traumatic brushing can also affect the gums, so use a vertical brushing technique and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

4.2. Considering what the risk factors are.

There are certain habits and factors that can also affect our gums, causing a greater predisposition to suffer periodontal disease. Therefore, people should take special care of their gingival health:

• Habitually consume tobacco and/or alcohol.
• Have xerostomia or dry mouth syndrome.
• Have a poor diet or a vitamin C deficiency.
• Suffer from diseases such as diabetes or immunosuppressive diseases.
• They have problems of dental malposition, as this makes hygiene difficult.

4.3. Going to the dentist to check their state of health.

If gum disease is detected in its initial stage, it is possible to preserve the integrity of the rest of the tissues and avoid the development of other problems related to periodontal disease. To do this, the most important thing is to have regular check-ups with the dentist and have professional cleanings according to the specialist’s recommendations. Only these can prevent the accumulation of excessive tartar that aggravates the problem of gingivitis, leading to periodontitis.

5. How is gingivitis treated?

The treatment of gingivitis, which is a reversible condition, is very simple. As we have mentioned, the accumulation of bacterial plaque is the main cause of this periodontal problem and, for this reason, its elimination can solve the problem.

It should be borne in mind that only professional dental cleaning or prophylaxis can effectively remove plaque and tartar build-up. Oral hygiene at home, although fundamental for good oral health maintenance, is not infallible.