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.
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