ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Gingivitis

What is gingivitis?

4 May 2021

This inflammatory condition of the gums is quite frequent, being a manifestation of periodontitis or periodontal disease, which is a serious condition that causes the loss of teeth.

Gingivitis, in addition to causing inflammation in the parts of the gums that are around the teeth, it causes irritation, redness, and constant discomfort. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis.

Poor oral hygiene usually causes this disease, since it promotes the growth of dental plaque, which when accumulated transforms into tartar, which is a solid and resistant barrier that protects bacteria and can only be eliminated through a professional dental cleaning. 

The plaque accumulated and defended by tartar significantly irritates the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding, giving rise to the development of periodontitis that causes the loss of teeth.

The best way to prevent and cure gingivitis is to have a good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing after every meal, in addition to visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning if necessary.

Signs and symptoms Gingivitis

  • Sensitivity and recession of the gums.
  • Gums inflammation and redness.
  • Bleeding from the gums when brushing or flossing.
  • Bad breath.

Potential risks:

  • Poor oral hygiene.
  • Vitamin C deficiency.
  • Damaged dental pieces or with inefficient restorations. 
  • Weakened immune system.
  • Smoking.
  • Hormonal alterations.
  • Family history.
  • Infections.
  • Dry mouth. 
  • Malnutrition.
  • Some drugs.

Diagnosis and treatment Gingivitis

Prior to the exhaustive review of your mouth, teeth, and gums to find evidence of gingivitis, your dentist will ask about your symptoms and analyze your medical and dental history, 

They will also take dental X-rays to see the degree of bone loss.

In the event that the gingivitis is very advanced and the damage is serious, you will be referred to a periodontist, who is a gum growth specialist.

The most common treatment plan consists of reversing the symptoms and preventing the progression of the disease, preventing it from becoming periodontitis. 

The procedures that are usually performed are:

  • Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria.
  • Cure and restore the dental pieces that need it. 
  • Monitoring through periodic check ups. 
  • At home you must have strict oral hygiene after each meal, brushing and flossing. 

ABC Medical Center invites you to take care of your dental health with our professional team of highly qualified and ethical dentists supported by cutting-edge technology, which guarantees a high quality and safe service in our comfortable and functional facilities with all the state-of-the-art dental advances, achieving rapid attention with a high degree of precision and efficiency. 

Related centers and departments Gingivitis

Dental Health
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • paradontax.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • dentalcare.com.mx
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medicalnewstoday.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Yero MIM, García RM, Morgado MDE, et al. Intervención educativa para la gingivitis crónica en adolescentes del Consultorio Médico de la Familia 10. Área Norte. Sancti Spiritus. Rev Hum Med. 2020;20(3):54-64.
  • González QJ. Tratamiento del agrandamiento gingival inducido por placa bacteriana asociado a factores locales: Reporte de un caso clínico. Odovtos-Int J Dent Sc. 2020;22(3):50-53.
  • Ramírez K, Gómez-Fernández A, Rojas M, et al. Salud gingival y su relación con la ingesta de diferentes tipos de alimentos y el índice de masa corporal en escolares de 12 años. Odovtos-Int J Dent Sc. 2020;22(2):165-177.
  • Laguna-Camacho A, Robles-Navarro JB, Cruz-Aburto MI, et al. Prevalencia de gingivitis y caries en estudiantes universitarios mexiquenses con peso no saludable y su relación con consumo de azúcar. Rev Odont Mex. 2019;23(4):248-255.

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