For teeth to have a healthy and aesthetic appearance, it is not enough for the teeth themselves to be healthy. The jawbone (alveolus) where the tooth is located, the periodontal fibers connecting the tooth to the jawbone, and the gums must also be healthy. In recent years, the number of people suffering from gum diseases, in addition to dental issues, has increased considerably.
One of the most common and serious gum problems is gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum disease that causes infection in the gums. It is highly contagious and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral and dental care, among other factors. If left untreated, it can progress to more severe conditions, such as gum recession (periodontitis) and subsequent tooth loss. Therefore, maintaining healthy gums is crucial for healthy teeth. Serious gum diseases like receding gums and gingivitis are successfully treated at our dental clinic in Istanbul. Patients with receding gums and gingivitis can contact us to schedule an appointment.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the gums due to unbalanced and inadequate nutrition, poor oral and dental care, and certain medical conditions. The primary cause of this bacterial infection is a lack of regular oral and dental care.
When proper oral and dental care is neglected, a colorless, sticky film called bacterial plaque forms on the teeth and gums, made up of pathogenic bacteria. This plaque is not only a cause of tooth decay but also the main cause of gum disease. The bacteria in the plaque produce acidic and toxic substances, leading to symptoms like swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums, collectively known as gingivitis. Gingivitis must be treated promptly; otherwise, it can progress to more severe dental issues, such as gum recession (periodontitis) and tooth loss.
What are the Symptoms of Gingivitis ?
Healthy gums are pink, matte, firm, and have a hard structure. Gingivitis can cause the following symptoms:
– Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth
– Spontaneous or induced bleeding of the gums, especially when eating hard foods
– Bleeding during brushing and flossing
– Redness of the gums
– Receding gums
– Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures in the gums
– Swelling and inflammation of the gums
– Pain during speaking and chewing
– Red-purple discoloration of the teeth
– Inflammation on reddened gums or inside the palate and lips
– Loosening, falling, and spacing of the teeth
If gingivitis is not treated after these symptoms appear, it can affect all tissues and cause more serious tooth and tissue loss.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The root cause of all inflammatory diseases is microorganisms. In this context, bacterial plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis. Without removing this bacterial plaque from the teeth and gums, the likelihood of developing gingivitis is high. Some factors that contribute to gingivitis include:
a) Oral and Dental Care in Istanbul: The most common cause of gingivitis is inadequate oral and dental care. Bacteria in the mouth combine with food to form a colorless, sticky bacterial plaque on the teeth and gums. If this plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it will lead to gingivitis over time. In more advanced stages, the plaque hardens into tartar along the gum line, causing further damage and inflammation. Untreated, this can result in gum recession and tooth loss.
b) Smoking:Smokers have a higher incidence of gingivitis compared to non-smokers.
c) Chronic Diseases:Conditions such as diabetes, HIV, and cancer increase the risk of developing gingivitis.
d) Unhealthy and Unbalanced Nutrition:Poor diet can lead to gum and tooth diseases. For example, vitamin C helps strengthen gums and enhances their resistance to bacterial infections.
e) Hormonal Changes:Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, adolescence, and menopause can increase gum sensitivity and the risk of gingivitis.
f) Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making gums more sensitive and increasing the likelihood of gingivitis.
g) Age:The risk of gingivitis increases with age.
h) Drug Use: Some medications can increase gum sensitivity, making gingivitis more likely.
i) Genetic Predisposition:A family history of gum sensitivity may indicate a genetic predisposition to gingivitis.
What are the Types of Gum Diseases?
Gum diseases are often overlooked or not taken seriously. Bleeding gums, whether spontaneous or triggered by hard substances, are a primary symptom of these conditions. Gum diseases are generally divided into two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis.
a) Gingivitis:This is an early-stage gum disease caused by bacterial plaque and is limited to the gums. If not treated, it can lead to periodontitis. Gingivitis often has mild symptoms, and many people ignore it. However, it can lead to more severe problems if not addressed. Personal oral care practices (brushing, flossing, gargling) and routine dental checkups can help prevent and treat gingivitis.
b) Periodontitis (Gum Recession):When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced gum disease that affects the tooth root, jawbone, and periodontal ligaments. This stage can cause significant tissue damage and tooth loss. If periodontitis progresses, it can lead to severe tissue damage, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Gum bleeding should be taken seriously, and a dentist should be consulted.
How are Gum Diseases Treated?
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for treating gum diseases. This approach helps prevent the disease from advancing to more severe and irreversible stages. The treatment plan is determined by the dentist based on the patient’s condition, including the extent of the disease, previous treatments, and general health status. Treatment methods can range from non-surgical to surgical, depending on the severity of the disease.
For initial infections, antibiotics and tartar cleaning are used to remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth, restores their healthy color, and prevents advanced tissue damage.
In more advanced cases, surgical interventions, such as gum surgery and tissue repair, may be necessary. If gingivitis is not treated promptly, it can lead to more serious tooth and tissue loss.
