Live Life Team
Gingivitis or gum disease as it is usually known is the condition which causes the inflammation, swelling and redness of the gums. This causes the bleeding of the gums while brushing the teeth. So it is also called the bleeding of gums
The basic trigger for this condition of gingivitis is the building up of plaque, which contains bacteria upon the teeth. The plaque is sticky in nature. It can be removed while brushing. But any leftover plaque can lead to painful gums as a result of the release of toxins by the bacteria.
Periodontitis is a condition related to gingivitis, which causes the teeth due to the spreading up of inflammation throughout the gums. The advanced case of periodontitis is known as pyorrhoea.
A severe condition called Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) occurs only in those who are malnourished or whose immunity system is very weak. This condition is also termed as trench mouth or Vincent’s gingivitis.
Symptoms
Gingivitis is characterised commonly by redness and swelling of the gums, painful and tender gums. The gums start bleeding after one brush the teeth.
In case of periodontitis the intensity of swelling, pain and bleeding of the gums increase very much. Other symptoms that the person may experience are halitosis or bad breath, difficulty in eating, pus flow from the gums, a bad taste in the mouth, loose teeth, falling out of teeth as well as developing abscesses on the gums.
The symptoms of Vincent’s gingivitis are general feeling of being unwell, fever, very severely painful gums, intensely bleeding gums, severe halitosis, difficulty in talking, difficulty in swallowing, excessive salivation, mouth tastes like some metal and development of ulcers in the gums between the teeth.
Causes
The most popular trigger for gingivitis as well as periodontitis is the building up of plaque on to the teeth.
In certain cases, the plaques harden to form the tartar, which can be removed only by the help of a dentist by a process called scale and polish. This is used to scrap off the tartar from then teeth and then the teeth are polished to avoid the stains present.
The presence of a very poor oral hygiene can also result in tartars, leading to gingivitis and then to periodontitis. Factors like smoking, a weakened immune system and diabetes of very high level can cause gingivitis.
The factors that enhance the risk of developing Vincent’s gingivitis are malnutrition, stress, smoking, poor oral hygiene and immunocompromise.
Vincent’s gingivitis can be prevented by maintaining a proper oral hygiene and treating gingivitis as well as periodontitis properly.
Treatment
Healthy oral hygiene prevents gingivitis as well as periodontitis. In certain cases antiseptic mouthwash in gel or spray form may be advised. Scaling and polishing may be done for eliminating the tartars. In certain cases, antibiotics will be advised to clear infections.
For Vincent’s gingivitis, antibiotics like amoxicillin will be advised for three days. Painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol will help in soothing the pain felt on the gums. Mouthwash must be used at least twice a day.
Avoid smoking for a faster recovery.
