Gingivitis is a bacterial disease that affects the gums. It goes through an inflammatory process. The bacteria are accumulated in the line between the gum and the tooth in the form of tartar or bacterial plaque. When this occurs, the appearance of the gums is bright red and intense, they are swollen, bulky, and softer and with frequent bleeding, mouth ulcers, etc. … The bleeding and swelling correspond to the reaction of the immune system against the infection.

It is a reversible inflammatory oral pathology, as long as it does not affect the bone within which the tooth is fixed. While still in this phase, the periodontics can treat and make the problem reverse. However, if the gingivitis is not treated and it progresses, it becomes a periodontitis (name that receives the disease when the bone is affected).

In periodontitis, the alveolar bone of the affected area loses tissue progressively. The degradation of bone support and ligaments will be irreversible and will be destroyed. As a consequence, the tooth will be lost. Gingivitis is the tip of the iceberg. The anteroom Moment in which oral health can be fully recovered. Although it must be prevented with a thorough oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. If it does come, it is time to act to avoid deriving more.

Cause of gingivitis

Plaque deposits on the teeth, cavities, some systemic diseases and poor oral hygiene are the main causes. Also hormonal changes, uncontrolled diabetes, badly placed or contaminated equipment (prostheses, crowns, bridges, correctors, etc.). Other causes may be the use of some medications such as bismuth, phenytoin, etc. Oral contraceptives, etc.

Types of gingivitis

There are two types and an atypical third:

• The one associated with bacterial plaque
• Not associated with bacterial plaque. The latter is caused by viral or bacterial infection, genetic factors, allergies, etc.
• Desquamate gingivitis. It is a diffuse erythematous formation in the gum. This type of inflammation could be confused periodontal disease without being. It could be an early manifestation of an underlying systemic disease.

How to know if we have gingivitis?

The main sign that there is a bacterial process is bleeding from the gums. If you wash your teeth (normally) see blood, you should be alarmed. Healthy gums do not bleed.

About this, we will say that in the case of smokers, this is not a reliable track, since even though there is gingivitis, the gums do not bleed, so the main symptom may be masked. A smoker should go to the dentist more frequently and have better oral hygiene.

Treatment

• Mild: The treatment for gingivitis is intended to reduce inflammation. You will first be given a professional oral cleaning to loosen and clean plaque and teach you how to keep your teeth clear of tartar. Most likely, I will advise you with some specific toothpaste and some rinsing.
• Severe: In addition to what has been said in the treatment of mild gingivitis, it is most likely to be reinforced with mouthwashes and antibiotics for a week.

If you are already undergoing periodontitis, a scraping of the bone and the part of the tooth that remains under the gums will be done. This process is a surgical process.