GINGIVITIS

Gingivitis is a bacterial disease of the gums (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of the gingiva, the part of the gum around the base of the teeth.

It results from poor oral hygiene.

Signs and symptoms

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Dusky red or dark red gums
• Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
• Bad breath
• Receding gums (gums disappearing exposing deeper parts of the tooth)
• Tender gums

Pathophysiology

The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of bacterial plaque between and around the teeth. The plaque triggers an immune response, which, in turn, can eventually lead to the destruction of gingival, or gum, tissue. It may also, eventually, lead to further complications, including the loss of teeth.

Dental plaque is a biofilm that accumulates naturally on the teeth. It is usually formed by colonizing bacteria that are trying to stick to the smooth surface of a tooth.

These bacteria might help protect the mouth from the colonization of harmful microorganisms, but dental plaque can also cause tooth decay, and periodontal problems such as gingivitis and chronic periodontitis, a gum infection.

When plaque is not removed adequately, it can harden into calculus, or tartar, at the base of the teeth, near the gums. This has a yellow color. Calculus can only be removed professionally.

Plaque and tartar eventually irritate the gums, causing gum inflammation around the base of the teeth. This means that the gums might easily bleed.

Treatment

Removal of plaque and tartar by dentist/professional

Use of antiseptic mouth wash

Complications

• abscess or infection in the gingiva or jaw bone
• periodontitis, a more serious condition that can lead to loss of bone and teeth
• recurrent gingivitis.
• trench mouth, where bacterial infection leads to ulceration of the gums

Several studies have linked gum diseases such as periodontitis, to cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack or stroke . Other reports have found an association with lung disease risk.