subject: Gingivitis Causes And Treatment [print this page] Gingivitis is an inflammatory series of action limited to the mucosal epithelial tissue around the cervical region of the teeth & the alveolar processes.It occurs due to improper oral hygiene of tooth or by injury to the gums from over-vigorous brushing, which results plaque buildup and tartar. It is the most common and mildest form of periodontal (gum) disease. Because gingivitis is mild painful in its primary stages, it generally goes unnoticed until acute irritation or receding gums occur.
Gingivitis can occur in all age groups is caused primarily by local irritants. It is nearly always reversible. The common signs of gingivitis are gums which are swollen and bleed on brushing.
Causes of Gingivitis
The main cause of Gingivitis is Plaque. Plaque, not the award given to someone, is an invisible, sticky film, composed primarily of bacteria, that forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. When you brush your teeth, plaque is removed but will re-form quickly, usually in about a day. Now you know why your mom said brush your teeth everyday!
Some of the common symptoms of gingivitis are as follows:
Bad mouth taste.
Foul breath.
Mouth sores
Change in the color from healthy pink to bright-red, or purple gums.
Shiny look to gum.
Gums that are painless, except when touched.
Red swollen gums that bleed easily, even if they're not sore & with gentle brushing.
Gums that itch with varying degrees of severity.
Receding gumline.
Treatment
Non-antibiotic approach for treating the underlying infection responsible for periodontal disease. After routine scaling, the dentist will apply the compound directly into the periodontal pockets and around the gum line of affected teeth. The compound quickly penetrates the plaque preferentially binding to multiple structural components in bacteria, including their toxic secretions. Laser light is then applied directly to the affected sites using a fiber optic probe. A powerful free-radical reaction destroys the targeted bacteria and the associated toxins such as collagenase.
Periowave is a revolutionary new adjunctive treatment bringing the power and ease of photodynamic disinfection to the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Most important thing you can do at home for preventing and help treat gingivitis at home is;
-Brush 3 times a day for 2 minutes with sonic electric toothbrush.
-Floss 1 time a day making sure to clean well below the gumline.
-Mouthrinses such as Listerine which can help kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis or a salt water rinse.
-In between meals if you are not able to brush, drink water or chew sugar-free gum for a few minutes to help loosen food and wash it away.
Most adults are aware of the old adage to see your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and check-up. This may not be true for many of us who have had gingivitis in the past.
