Gingivitis |
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If you
experience swelling, bleeding, or tenderness
in your gums while brushing your teeth,
you may be suffering from some type
of gum (periodontal) disease, a condition
that affects approximately 80% of American
adults. Gingivitis is one of the most
common forms of gum disease and if it
is not treated it may develop into a
more serious gum disease that may eventually
lead to the destruction of bone and
teeth. Luckily gingivitis is preventable
and treatable. Proper dental hygiene
can significantly reduce the risk of
developing gingivitis and if you already
suffer from gingivitis, dental cleaning
by a qualified dentist can reverse the
damage.
Causes and Risk Factors
When the starches and
sugars from the food that you consume
interact with the bacteria that are
present in your mouth, your teeth become
coated with an invisible, sticky layer
known as plaque. Plaque is usually reduced
or eliminated by regularly brushing
teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash.
However, plaque re-forms quickly, usually
within 24 hours, and requires cleansing
to prevent dental or gum diseases. If
this plaque remains on the teeth for
more than two or three days, it hardens
under the gum line into tartar or calculus
(a tough, white substance that makes
plaque more resilient). Removing tartar
requires professional cleaning by a
dental practitioner because it is difficult
to remove by brushing and flossing.
If this plaque and tartar remain on
the teeth for a long period of time,
they tend to irritate the gingival (the
part of the gum around the base of your
teeth). This causes the gums to become
tender and swollen and to bleed easily.
There are several factors that contribute
to the development of gum disease. Here
are a few:
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Poor dental hygiene
(infrequent and improper brushing
and flossing) |
|
Disorders such
as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and Down’s
Syndrome |
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Medicines taken
for high blood pressure, heart disease,
seizures, and depression |
|
Lifestyle factors
such as stress, smoking, alcohol,
and poor nutrition |
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Hereditary factors
|
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Clenching teeth
together or grinding teeth |
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Breathing through
the mouth |
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Improper bite |
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Advancing age |
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Pregnancy |
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Birth control pills
|
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Ill-fitting dentures
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