Unveiling Gingivitis (Gum Disease): Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Swollen, tender, and bleeding gums? Sounds like symptoms we all wish to avoid. These symptoms commonly describe gingivitis (gum disease), which is often caused by oral bacterial overgrowth. Surprisingly, gingivitis is the top infectious disease in the world. Approximately 70% of adults suffer from some extent of gingivitis, according to research.

Sensitive Teeths

If gingivitis is left untreated, the disease can progress to a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Both gingivitis and periodontitis have been found to harmfully impact the rest of the body and decline overall well-being. This article will give complete information about symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention tips for Gingivitis (Gum disease).

What is Gingivitis / Gum Disease?

Gingivitis is commonly caused by a bacterial infection that impacts not just the mouth but the entire body. Gingivitis is an inflammatory disease that leads to red, puffy, and sore gums, in addition to sensitive teeth and lots of oral issues. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), gum disease is one of the top causes of tooth loss in adults. Luckily, gingivitis can be prevented and treated.

Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis

Gingivitis – Early Stage of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation that makes your gums appear red and swollen. Luckily, the early stage of gum disease is reversible if treated in a timely manner. Routine dental visits can help identify signs of gingivitis and treat it before it progresses into a more advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Gingivitis typically resolves with professional dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene habits at home between visits.

Periodontitis – Advanced Stage of Gum Disease

Periodontitis is a destructive form of gum disease that can cause permanent damage in the oral cavity. It is often caused by bacterial plaque accumulation, which breaks down oral tissues and teeth. If dental plaque is not removed in a timely manner, it can harden into dental calculus, which makes it harder to clean your teeth and gums. With time, this triggers chronic inflammation, jawbone loss, oral infection, and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Not to mention, countless research reports have identified links between periodontal disease and systemic medical conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis?

  • Receding Gums - If you start to notice your gums pulling away from the teeth you may have gum recession. This can expose the roots of your teeth, which are more sensitive and susceptible to tooth decay.
  • Loose Teeth - Your teeth may become mobile as the jawbone support is destroyed from gum disease. This can change the way your teeth and jaws come together and lead to tooth loss.
  • Changes in Bite Alignment - Gum disease can impact your bite by increasing the risk of your teeth shifting. An abnormal bite can place strain on the jaws and cause other oral problems to occur.
  • Swollen Gums - One of the earliest signs of gum disease is swollen gums. Oral bacteria trigger inflammation which causes the gums to appear enlarged.
  • Dark Red Gums - Dark red gums are another sign of inflammation as a result of gum disease. Healthy gums should appear light pink in color.
  • Bleeding Easily During Brushing or Flossing - Gum bleeding is a sign that an underlying issue is occurring. Plaque and calculus buildup allows bacteria to grow and cause gum bleeding.
  • Bad Breath - Chronic bad breath can be an indication of gum disease. Dental plaque that sticks to the teeth contain bacteria that produce foul odors.
  • Tooth Sensitivity - Tooth sensitivity is a common consequence of gum disease. Gum disease often leads to gum recession, which makes the teeth more exposed and susceptible to decay. When gums pull away from teeth, teeth are more exposed and sensitive to hot and cold foods or beverages.
  • Pus Between Teeth and Gums - Severe gum disease often creates pockets where bacteria grow and form pus. Pus within the mouth can be a sign of a dental abscess, which can be a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment.
  • Pain While Chewing - Gum disease can make it painful to chew. Gum irritation can make it hard for you to enjoy foods.

Is Gingivitis Curable?

Gingivitis can be cured if treated early. It is important to address symptoms of gingivitis early before the disease progresses and turns into periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause permanent damage to your oral cavity and harm your overall health.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Medications

Certain medications may have side effects that impact your oral health. Drugs including some immunosuppressants, anti-seizure medications, and calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure have been found to induce gingival swelling.

Smoking

Smoking is strongly linked with gum disease. Smoking/tobacco use can even make it harder for your gums to heal, making successful treatment of gum disease often challenging.

Aging

With age, individuals are more likely to develop gum disease as changes in health occur. Older individuals often produce less saliva, allowing bacteria to thrive and contribute to oral diseases.

Family History

Genetics may play role in the development of gum disease. Those with a family history of gum disease are more likely to suffer from gum disease themselves.

Diabetes

A two-way link between diabetes and gum disease exists. Uncontrolled diabetes has been found to lead to higher blood sugar levels that promotes gum disease. On the other hand, gum disease can influence blood sugar levels and worsen diabetes.

Lack of Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is the cause of many oral issues, including gum disease. Not properly removing plaque can contribute to the growth of gingivitis-causing bacteria.

Stress

Stress may trigger gingivitis, as the hormones released can trigger inflammation. Stress can make it harder for your body to fight off oral infections like gum disease.

Poor Nutrition

Diet matters when it comes to maintaining good oral health. Poor nutrition can deprive your teeth and the rest of the body of the nutrients that it needs to stay healthy. Vitamins and minerals are necessary to strengthen your immune system to fight off diseases like gum disease.

Crooked Teeth

Teeth that are misaligned can make it easy for bacterial plaque to accumulate and become trapped between the teeth. The buildup of bacteria can make you more susceptible to gum disease and a whole host of other oral issues.

Defective Fillings

Defective fillings, such as those that are cracked can allow bacteria to seep into the tooth and cause decay. If untreated, this can create oral infection that promotes gum disease.

Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases including diabetes, cancer, and conditions that cause immunosuppression make it hard for the body to fight off infections like gum disease.

Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin deficiencies are associated with gingivitis. A deficiency in vitamin C and B3 (niacin) have been linked to bleeding gums and gum disease.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can lead to increased inflammation in the gums.

Is Gingivitis Contagious?

Individuals with poor oral health may have an increased chance of exchanging their oral bacteria through saliva when kissing. This transfer of bacteria can also occur between mother and infant when sharing utensils or toothbrushes or kissing. Keeping oral bacteria controlled and your oral health in check can help lower the risk of spreading bacteria to others.

What are the Treatments for Gingivitis?

Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings are necessary to remove dental calculus, which cannot simply be removed with homecare procedures. Your dental professional may recommend dental scaling and root planning to remove bacterial plaque and calculus from the teeth and roots.

Medications

Your dental professional may recommend specific medications that can treat gum disease. They may prescribe an antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine to reduce the inflammation. They may also prescribe oral antibiotics to reduce oral bacteria.

Flap Surgery

Flap surgery involves lifting the gum tissue to allow for better access to remove the plaque and dental calculus. Once the bacteria is removed, the gums are sutured back into place.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafts can be used to help repair bone that has been lost due to gum disease. Bone grafts can help stimulate the body to regenerate bone. Healthy bone is necessary to support the teeth and hold them in place.

Dental Restoration

Tooth decay and fractures can often be fixed with dental restorations. This can help eliminate infection and reduce bacteria from retaining on fractured surfaces.

Crown Lengthening

Dental crown lengthening is a procedure that involves removing excess gum tissue to show more of the dental crown. This can make the teeth easier to clean and improve the appearance.

How to Prevent Gingivitis?

  • Brush and Floss Daily - Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time with a fluoride-containing toothpaste to help prevent gingivitis and tooth decay. Flossing daily is also necessary for bacterial plaque removal in-between teeth.
  • Use an Electric Toothbrush - An electric toothbrush can help effectively and efficiently remove dental plaque from the surfaces of teeth and underneath the gums. Electric toothbrushes also often have built-in timers and pressure sensors that can help improve your brushing technique.
  • Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks - Do your best to limit your intake of foods and drinks that are high in sugar. Sugar promotes the growth of bacteria that cause gingivitis.
  • Consider Using an Anti-Gingivitis Mouthwash - An anti-gingivitis mouthwash can help rinse away dental plaque and food debris that contribute to gum disease. It is recommended to use an alcohol-free mouthwash to prevent dry mouth.
  • Stress Management - Reducing stress can help keep your immune system strong, which is necessary to fight off oral infections like gum disease. Perform stress-reducing activities such as exercise, reading, or practicing your favorite hobby.
  • Opt for Anti-Gingivitis Toothpaste - Anti-gingivitis toothpaste can aid in dental plaque removal from your teeth and underneath the gums. Make sure you look for the ADA Seal of Approval to ensure the toothpaste has been tested for safety and efficacy.
  • Regular Dental Check-Ups - Preventive care is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and body. Make sure to schedule your regular dental visits with our caring staff at Great Lakes Family Dental.

Conclusion

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that should be addressed quickly before worsening. Early signs and symptoms usually include swollen, red, tender, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis can typically be reversed if caught early and will require help from your dental professionals and good oral hygiene practices at home.

If the disease progresses, it can lead to periodontal disease, which involves the permanent loss of oral tissue and bone support. Periodontal disease not only affects the mouth, but also is linked to numerous systemic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Your dentist can provide accurate diagnosis and treatment of gum disease to help keep your smile healthy and lasting a lifetime. Be sure to visit your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease, as the sooner it is treated, the healthier you can be!