All you need to know about gingivitis

The tell-tale sign of gingivitis is inflammation of gums. It is a mild form of gum disease. Gingivitis can be plaque-induced or non-plaque induced. The most common type of gum disease arises from the buildup of plaque and tartar which is indicative of the growing film of bacteria along the gum lines. Normally, this form of gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene practice at the earlier stages but if left untreated, the inflammation progresses to more severe manifestations (periodontitis), destroying the tissues and alveolar bones leading to tooth loss.  The most common clinical manifestations of gingivitis are sore and bleeding gums during mild brushing/ flossing, darkening of gum lines, bad breath and pulling away of gums from the teeth.

Some of the factors that can predispose us to gingivitis are:

     1. Improper oral hygiene

     2. Misaligned teeth

     3. Hormonal changes during conditions such as pregnancy, menstrual cycle and menopause.

     4. Immuno-compromising diseases such as cancer, HIV and diabetes

     5. Medications (oral contraceptives, steroids, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and chemotherapy)

     6. Habits of smoking, alcohol

      7.Genetic predisposition to dental diseases

Gum diseases are generally diagnosed by physical examination of gums for swelling and easy bleeding by a dentist. Dental X-rays are also popular in analyzing the loss of bone during gum inflammations depending upon the severity of the disease. There are surgical as well as non-surgical interventions for treating gum diseases. Surgical techniques such as scaling and root planning are normally  used to adjust misaligned teeth and  restore the supportive gum tissues. Non-surgical interventions use antibiotic rinses and tablets to control bacterial growth.

 For advanced cases where the teeth and jaw lines are too infected to get healed, bone and tissue grafts are used to free your teeth from plaque. Some of the basic preventive strategies which can be started  at home  and  extended to and implemented in  daily life  are  the habits of brushing (using fluoridated toothpaste),  flossing twice daily  and using   antibiotic mouth rinses to reduce the plaque by 20 percent. Incorporating a healthy and balanced diet in the meals can enrich vitamin and mineral resources and avoid  plaque inducing starch and sugar rich foods. Periodic dental checkups are pivotal for early detection of gum diseases.  So, be diligent and save your smile.

To get professional teeth cleaning done, contact Green Meadow Dental, 3579B Berlin Turnpike, Newington CT 06111, call: (860)-865-0056.Families from East Berlin find the easy drive to Newington well worthwhile because or our expertise and modern facilities, our friendly dental team and the relaxing disposition of Dr. Mukund. We also serve neighboring areas including Farmington, Rocky Hill and Meriden.