by Shen-Li Lee

Created on: September 17, 2009   Last Updated: August 04, 2011

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a dental disease that involves the gums surrounding the teeth. It is caused by the presence of plaque bacteria building up on the teeth around the gum margin. The bacteria cause irritation to the gums, which leads to the body's immune system responding with an inflammatory reaction.

Gingivitis is part of a spectrum of dental diseases affecting the periodontium. The periodontium refers to all the supporting structures around the teeth - the bone, the gums, and soft tissues. Gingivitis is one of the milder diseases affecting the periodontium; however, if left unchecked, it can advance to more severe periodontal disease. It should be differentiated from another form of gingivitis called "acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis" (ANUG), which is a severe dental infection of the gums involving fever and halitosis (bad breath) in addition to the painful ulcerations and swelling of the gums.

The mouth is a dynamic environment that is filled with bacteria. When proper measures are taken (such as the practice of good oral hygiene), the oral bacteria can live with the host (the individual) in relative harmony without causing disease. Certain bacteria like to colonize in the teeth, particularly in the areas around the gum margins and in between the teeth. If they are allowed to build up in sufficient quantities, they cause irritation to the gums that leads to swelling and bleeding. The undisturbed plaque will eventually calcify (usually over two to three days without brushing or flossing) and form a protective place for more bacteria to grow.

In addition to poor oral hygiene measures, there are certain conditions that also increase the risk of developing gingivitis, such as pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, and general illness.

Preventing gingivitis

To prevent gingivitis, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices - that includes brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day (or more frequently if possible). Proper brushing and flossing help to remove plaque build up around the gum margins. It is important to brush regularly since plaque quickly builds up within 24 hours after cleaning. Left undisturbed for two to three days, it will calcify to form tartar - a hardened, yellow deposit that only your dentist can remove.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis

Some of the common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include swelling of the gums, softened gums, bleeding gums (which occur when you brush or floss), halitosis (bad breath),

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>