Gingivitis (Mild Gum Disease)

1. Gingivitis SYMPTOMS|CAUSES| TREATMENT

2. INTRODUCTION TO GINGIVITIS • Gingivitis is mild gum disease. • It is an infection caused by germs called bacteria, that hurts your gums. • Occurs when buildup of plaque (sticky film) on teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria that can irritate your gums, and cause and infection. • Gingivitis can effect at any age. It can be identified by pink, swollen and inflamed gums. • The bacteria residing in plaque product acid by reacting with the food and cause gingivitis.

3. CAUSES OF GINGIVITIS • Aggressive tooth brushing • Blood disorders like leukaemia • Deficiency in vitamins especially Vitamin C • Dry mouth • Formation of plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum infection • Hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy puberty, and menopause which makes the blood tissues in the gums to be more vulnerable to bacterial infection • Incorrect dental prosthetic • Malocclusion (improper positioning of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed)

4. CONTINUE:- CAUSES OF GINGIVITIS • Medications that can cause gum disease such as anti-seizure drugs • Mouth breathing that leaves the gums unprotected and can cause irritation and inflammation • Overlapping, crooked, or rotated teeth • Poor dental hygiene • Poor nutrition and eating habits that increase plaque formation • Stress that can cause damage to the immune system • Smoking or use of tobacco products • Reaction to oral contraceptives

5. SYMPTOMS OF GINGIVITIS The bacteria that grow in tartar tend to irritate the gum at the base of the teeth, called gingiva, which in turn, gives rise to a number of annoying symptoms. • Gingivitis is commonly known as bleeding gums. Therefore, one of the most obvious signs is that the gums start bleeding easily. It is a particularly common occurrence while brushing or flossing. • Red and swollen gums is another clear sign of gingivitis. If the gums are badly inflamed, then they turn soft and puffy. Occasionally, the gums may become extremely tender and sensitive.

6. CONTINUE:- SYMPTOMS OF GINGIVITIS • When the gums are healthy, then their tissue is firm, and they are pale pink in color. If infected, the color changes to bright red or purplish red. • Receding gums is another problem faced by people suffering from gingivitis. • Sometimes, mouth sores may develop on the gum surface. • All the above mentioned symptoms could be accompanied by bad breath , or a bad taste in the mouth due to the growth of bacteria in the mouth.

7. TREATMENT OF GINGIVITIS • Bleeding & clotting times and platelet count of the patient should be checked and the Hematologist consulted before periodontal treatment. • The enlargement is treated by scaling and root planing carried out in stages under topical anesthesia. • The initial treatment consists of gently removing all loose accumulations with cotton pellets. • Progressively deeper scaling are carried out at subsequent visits. • Antibiotics are administered systemically the evening before and for 48 hours after each treatment to reduce the risk of infection.