Inadequate oral and dental care, poor nutrition, and certain health conditions can lead to infections in the gums, resulting in gum inflammation. Commonly caused by bacterial infections, gum inflammation is also known as gingivitis. Depending on the affected area, gingivitis often causes pain and difficulty during mouth movements and eating.
In most cases, gingivitis may heal on its own within a few days without requiring specific treatment beyond proper oral hygiene. However, if the inflammation is severe or persists beyond 4-5 days, it is essential to consult a dentist. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that may result in tooth loss. Therefore, it is crucial to pay close attention to the treatment of gum inflammation.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an oral and dental health condition commonly caused by bacterial infections. As one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, gingivitis usually manifests as small inflammations. Depending on its location, it may cause discomfort, and in cases of larger inflammations, it can make chewing, speaking, and eating challenging. Gingivitis is generally a mild condition that resolves quickly with regular and thorough brushing and flossing. However, if oral hygiene is neglected, the inflammation can spread to other parts of the mouth and even lead to tooth loss.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Inflammation?
In mild cases, gum inflammation might go unnoticed by many people. Therefore, even in the absence of symptoms, there could still be inflammation in the gums. When the size or location of the inflammation becomes more pronounced, gingivitis presents itself through specific symptoms. Common symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Sensitivity, redness, and swelling in the gums
- White, pus-like formations
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Pain during speaking and chewing
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Bad breath
What Causes Gum Inflammation?
Gums attach to the teeth from a point deeper than is visible from the outside, forming a pocket where food particles and plaque can accumulate. This is one of the most common causes of gum inflammation. Plaque, a thin bacterial layer, can harden over time due to poor oral hygiene, forming tartar. Tartar can settle within these pockets, leading to gum inflammation. Neglecting to control plaque and tartar buildup can cause gums to detach from the teeth, resulting in gum recession. The best preventive method is brushing teeth and tongue thoroughly and effectively at least twice a day and flossing after each brushing.
In some cases, different factors may also contribute to gum inflammation, including:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, chemotherapy drugs, calcium channel blockers)
- Broken fillings
- Structural dental abnormalities
- Pregnancy
- Genetic factors
Types of Gum Inflammation
There are two primary types of gum inflammation. The first type, plaque-induced gingivitis, occurs due to plaque buildup influenced by systemic factors, medication use, and poor nutrition. The second type is gingival lesions not caused by plaque, often resulting from specific bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Other causes in this group include genetic factors, allergic reactions, trauma, dentures, or unknown factors. Determining the type and cause of gum inflammation is essential for effective treatment.
How is Gum Inflammation Diagnosed?
Dentists can typically diagnose gingivitis in patients presenting with sensitivity, pain, swelling, and inflammation in the gums through a physical examination. Dentists will also evaluate past dental operations, medical history, and symptoms. During the exam, teeth, gums, mouth, and tongue are checked. If deep gum pockets are present, an X-ray may be required to assess bone structure and health. For cases without an identifiable cause, additional medical tests may be necessary. Since some oral health issues can be linked to systemic conditions, referrals to other medical departments may be needed.
How is Gum Inflammation Treated?
As with many conditions, early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase the success rate in treating gum inflammation. This can prevent more severe gum diseases and tooth loss. Adhering to a proper oral care routine is essential for successful treatment. Professional gum care is the cornerstone of treatment, including professional dental cleanings and tartar removal if needed. These procedures, performed by dentists using special tools, lasers, or ultrasonic devices, help eliminate all plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits, promoting healing and minimizing the risk of recurrence. Afterward, necessary dental restorations should be applied. Issues like ill-fitting dentures, structural irregularities, and obstacles to proper cleaning should be addressed to support overall oral health.
Following professional cleaning and care, dentists will provide a home treatment plan. The simplest answer to “how to treat gingivitis” is to maintain proper oral hygiene. Those with gingivitis, like all individuals, should brush their teeth and tongue three times a day with the correct technique and floss regularly.
Dentists often recommend antiseptic and anti-inflammatory mouthwashes to accelerate healing and reduce discomfort. Saltwater can also naturally aid gingivitis treatment, although it is essential to consult a dentist as salt may harm existing sores. With adherence to a dentist-recommended treatment plan, the condition will typically resolve within a few weeks. For those with severe dental damage, consulting a dentist about implants may also be an option.
If you are experiencing gum inflammation and wondering how to treat it, make sure to practice regular oral care and consult a dentist for proper treatment. After achieving recovery, maintaining consistent oral hygiene can minimize the risk of gingivitis recurrence.