Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease . Periodontal disease is an infection or inflammation of the gums, ligaments, bones, and nerves that surround the teeth. The word periodontal means 'around the tooth'. Each tooth is embedded in the gums or gums and attached to the bone by tissue. Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can lead to significant tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is a family of related diseases caused by bacterial infections. Diseases can cause the destruction of bones and tissues that hold teeth in place. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It is caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to a buildup of plaque.
There are other factors that can lead to gingivitis, such as smoking, aging and diabetes. There may also be a genetic predisposition to gingivitis, and conditions such as stress, pregnancy, substance abuse, and certain medications can cause this ailment. Bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gums and cause infection.
When your body's immune defense system is activated against bacteria, your gums become inflamed. Gingivitis usually does not cause pain or discomfort to the victim. Because it doesn't involve pain, it's important to recognize the symptoms, such as red, swollen gums that can bleed easily. There may also be separation of the gums where the infection has established itself.
If left untreated, the infection will eventually reach the roots of the teeth. Plaque along the gumline and on the roots of the teeth will become infected. There is also a type of gingivitis called trench mouth . With this infection, profuse bleeding from the gums occurs. This is a bacterial infection, but it is not contagious.
Treatment for trench mouth includes antibiotic mouthwashes and removal of tartar from the teeth. In very rare cases, gum surgery may be necessary. Gingivitis can be prevented in most cases by brushing and flossing after every meal. A professional dental cleaning every six months is also an excellent prevention strategy. If the cause of gingivitis is a disease, only your dentist can treat it.