Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, is a common infection that occurs in the gums. Gum inflammation occurs due to bacterial and plaque buildup. Although inflammation usually passes within a few days, it can sometimes last longer and cause serious problems. Since it can lead to gum recession and tooth loss when left untreated, treatment should be carried out without interruption.
What is Gum Inflammation?
Gum inflammation is the appearance of gum irritation, redness, and swelling. When gum inflammation is observed, it should be taken seriously and a dentist should be consulted immediately. This inflammation can lead to gum recession and tooth loss in the future. It can be treated with regular oral care, use of dental floss and mouthwash. It may not cause much discomfort at first, but in some cases, it can cause difficulty in chewing and speaking.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Inflammation?
Gum inflammation can manifest itself with mild or severe symptoms. In the early stages of gum inflammation, mild symptoms will be seen, with these symptoms intensifying over time.
- Swollen or puffy appearance of the gums
- Very red appearance
- Bleeding when brushing teeth or using dental floss due to high sensitivity
- Creating bad breath
- Gum recession may occur
What Causes Gum Inflammation?
Gum inflammation develops due to bacterial accumulation in the gums and causes infection. Plaque or bacteria appear when oral hygiene is inadequate and cause inflammation through accumulation. Plaque is a substance that remains on teeth after eating or drinking. This plaque is removed by brushing teeth and using dental floss. As long as the plaque on the teeth is not cleaned, they harden and lead to tartar formation. Tartar causes gum inflammation.
Among the causes of gum inflammation are the use of cigarettes and tobacco products, diabetes, pregnancy, use of certain medications, dental problems, and genetic factors.
Types of Gum Inflammation
Gum inflammation can be examined in two types. The reason for classifying these types is to draw a systematic path while treating the disease.
- Gum inflammation that occurs due to plaque formation or other causes: In addition to plaque formation, conditions such as medication use or inadequate nutrition can cause it.
- Gum inflammation that occurs due to a bacterium or virus: This type includes inflammation that can develop due to genetic factors, allergies, wounds, or dentures, or inflammation of unknown cause.
Risks of Gum Inflammation
When gum inflammation is not treated, it can cause different dental problems and even tooth loss. When gum inflammation is not treated, it can recur or cause gum recession, known as periodontitis. Gum recession is the destruction of the soft tissue between the tooth and mouth.
Gum inflammation can also cause bad breath in the mouth. It can cause tooth sensitivity and pain in the person. People with inflammation may experience bleeding during tooth brushing or dental floss use.Diagnosis of Gum Inflammation
The diagnosis of gum inflammation can be made by a dentist. The dentist can understand gum inflammation from the color, shape, and texture of the gums. They create a treatment plan based on the types of inflammation. The patient’s general oral health is also evaluated. In advanced cases, dental X-rays may be requested. In diagnosing gum inflammation, what’s causing the problem should be examined and determined. If there is a disease causing the inflammation, that disease should be treated first. Afterwards or simultaneously, gum inflammation can also be resolved.How Does Gum Inflammation Go Away?
Gum inflammation can be resolved by paying attention to oral hygiene or regularly attending control appointments. Regular dental and gum care should be performed. Gum inflammation can pass with the use of mouthwash and attention to diet. A treatment plan can be created by determining what causes this problem. When treated early, recovery can be seen in a shorter time. Since gum inflammation is a recurring disease, precautions must also be taken.Treatment of Gum Inflammation
Treatment should be started without delay as soon as gum inflammation is observed. Your dentist will determine a treatment plan after diagnosis. Professional gum care should be performed. Thanks to dental cleaning and tartar cleaning to be applied by the dentist, plaque and tartar on the teeth will be eliminated. The risk of inflammation recurring can thus be reduced. If there are dental problems causing inflammation, these should be treated first. If medication use or genetic conditions are causing the disease, the gum problem can also be resolved by treating the cause of the disease. Afterwards, what the patient needs to apply and pay attention to at home is explained. Oral hygiene can be the primary treatment.What Helps with Gum Inflammation?
For gum inflammation, first, the factors causing inflammation must be eliminated. This can be controlled by consulting a dentist. Your dentist will determine the appropriate treatment for you and list the methods that can be applied. Methods that will help with gum inflammation can be listed as follows:- Oral hygiene should be prioritized
- The gums should be treated sensitively without applying pressure
- **Mouthwash** can be used regularly
- Dental floss can be used
