Gingivitis Definition Medical, Risks, Causes and Prevention
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria present in aggression in dental plaque, now called "bacterial biofilm." This disease occurs at all ages, to greater or lesser degrees. It can lead to a destruction of the surface portion of the gum; which causes severe pain to prohibit the supply.
Risks and health issues of gingivitis
If it is not treated in time, gingivitis may develop into periodontitis with loss of bone around the tooth, mobility and possible loss of it. Periodontally all tissue fixation and supporting the teeth, that is to say, the gum, the ligament and bone. Various studies show that gingivitis affects between 50 and 80% of people, and periodontitis 20 to 50%.
Gingivitis has a general impact on health: the bacteria in the mouth can spread in the body. Gingivitis is thus a risk factor of infarction, diabetes, and even premature births ...
Causes of Gingivitis
About 500 bacteria can cause gingivitis and their presence in the mouth varies by geographic areas and populations. The inequality of individuals with that infection is due to the familial susceptibility and oral hygiene. Those who have never had any decay are more likely to develop gingivitis: because the bacteria causing tooth decay compete with those responsible for gingivitis and reduce the "silence".
Power does not come into play in this disease although a vitamin C deficiency is a contributing factor. Bone loss is not related to age: gingivitis can begin in childhood and grow in the absence of proper oral hygiene.
Note: Some heavy treatments, such as immunosuppressive drugs given to transplant people favor gingivitis.
How manifests gingivitis?
The gums are red, sore and bleeding in simple non aggressive tooth brushing. That in the absence of anti-coagulant treatment in the absence of net deficiency of vitamin K and without liver disease that impairs blood clotting.
These signs are localized or generalized to the gum.
With what would it be confused gingivitis?
With dermatological diseases (leukoplakia or lichen type for doctors) that may develop in the mouth of otherwise unhealthy or defective oral hygiene, such as alcohol and tobacco abuse. Not periodontal disease.
Bleeding gums is the major sign of gingivitis that avoids confused with other diseases.
Will it possible prevention?
Good oral hygiene is both the prevention and treatment of gingivitis. The hygiene must be rigorous, effective and non traumatic: it is necessary to properly use his toothbrush, which must be adapted to the size and shape of the teeth.
A brush or a dental floss eliminate uninvolved interdental plaque by brushing.
Although the mechanical action is most useful when brushing, fluoride toothpaste helps protect the teeth more effectively. However, an antiseptic toothpaste, which can be useful against bacteria, should not be used all the time.
When to consult?
Consulting his dentist every year for at least scaling, is part of the prevention of gingivitis. If the gums bleed when you brush, she is ill: do not take this lightly but signs quickly consult your dentist for advice.
What does the dentist?
The dentist begins by analyzing the appearance of the gums (shape and color). He may need an x-ray to assess the quantity and quality of the bone under the gums if it suspects periodontitis. It can make a bacterial sample (simply rub the gums with a swab).
It establishes its diagnosis and treatment plan.
For simple gingivitis, an effective oral hygiene will be stimulated, after scaling and removal of dental plaque.
If periodontitis is installed, a mechanical treatment called surfacing (root cleaning and disinfection of the pockets, surgical or otherwise) is necessary.
How to prepare for my next visit to the dentist?
Summarizing medical history: our prescription medicines, surgery (especially transplant) and caries.
Explain the reason for the consultation (discomfort, pain, aesthetics), indicate whether it is a recurrence of gingivitis, if it has already been processed, and for how long is the inflammation.
Finally, family history (if parents are prone to gingivitis) give an indication.
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