Do you have sore, red or bleeding gums? Then it could be a sign of gingivitis. But what is gingivitis? Is it dangerous? And what can you do to prevent it? You can read more about that on this page.
What is gingivitis?
The gums are the part of the oral mucosa that lies close to the tooth and is firmly attached to the underlying jawbone. An inflammation of this part of the mucous membrane is called gingivitis - or gingivitis among dentists.
Inflammation is part of the body's defense against influences it doesn't like. These influences can be of very different types and origins.
Gingivitis is not dangerous in itself and with good oral hygiene, you can treat the condition yourself. However, it's important to keep an eye on your gums as gingivitis can develop into periodontitis if allowed to go unnoticed and untreated.
What does gingivitis look like?
As with any other tissue in the body, an inflammatory condition will mean increased blood flow to the area that is inflamed. Therefore, inflammation will also often show itself in the form of a change in the color of the gums.
You can pay attention to the following symptoms yourself:
- Red gums instead of the healthy pink/ pale pink color
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
- Gums that are sore.
There are several characteristics of gingivitis that your dentist or hygienist will look for during a check-up. But spotting them takes experience and practice - both because we are all different and because not all gingivitis symptoms are always present at the same time.
That's why it's important that you come for regular check-ups to prevent gum inflammation. At Dentists in Glostrup, we emphasize preventive dental care, which is why we will always examine your teeth and gums thoroughly when you visit us. This ensures that you don't walk around with hidden conditions in your teeth and gums.
Why do you get gingivitis?
The vast majority of us have experienced gingivitis to a greater or lesser degree. There can be many reasons for this inflammation of the tissue. However, the classic cause is that bacteria have been allowed to sit undisturbed along the gums without being removed by a toothbrush or dental floss. In other words, poor oral hygiene is usually the cause of gum inflammation.
Bacterial buildup is called plaque and can be an irritant to the gums. Inflammation is therefore the gums' way of protecting themselves from the bacteria.
Gingivitis can also be caused by incorrect or excessive toothbrushing, which causes small tears in the gums, causing an impact that disturbs the tissue. Finally, gingivitis is also seen as small burns from, for example, pizza cheese.
Gingivitis - what should I do?
In the vast majority of cases, it is sufficient to remove the harmful influence that is causing the inflammation. If the cause is plaque, the gums will heal again when the bacteria are effectively removed. If the cause is incorrect brushing technique, the inflammation will also disappear if you change your brushing technique.
If the inflammation is due to burns, it will also quickly subside as the wounds heal. But it's important that you leave the wounds alone to speed up the healing process.
You can also prevent gingivitis by following these tips:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes
- Don't smoke cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
- Eat healthy and varied
- Go for regular check-ups with your dentist or dental hygienist.
How is gingivitis treated?
In the vast majority of cases, it is sufficient to remove the harmful influence that is causing the inflammation. If the cause is plaque, the gums will heal again when the bacteria are effectively removed. If the cause is incorrect toothbrushing technique, the inflammation will also disappear if you correct to a technique that does not damage the gums. Burns heal quickly and on their own if you leave them alone.
What happens if you don't treat gingivitis?
Gingivitis is what is known as a reversible condition. This means that after treatment, there is no damage or damage to the gums.
However, chronic gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, which is a condition where the supporting tissues of the tooth also become inflamed and break down. Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease as the pockets around the teeth become deeper. Over time, the inflammation will penetrate into the pockets and jawbone, where it will slowly break down. This can eventually cause teeth to become loose - and fall out completely if left untreated.
Unlike gingivitis, periodontal disease is an irreversible and chronic condition. This means that in the worst case scenario, you will lose your teeth and need to replace them with dentures, bridges or dental crowns. That's why it's a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of gum inflammation.
However, how much damage the gums can withstand before they become inflamed is highly individual - and it can change in the same person throughout life.
How do I avoid gingivitis?
There are many things you can do to avoid gingivitis. Often it's the little things you do in your everyday life that can help you avoid gingivitis. This is because gingivitis can be extremely painful and a huge inconvenience in everyday life.
In general, your oral hygiene is paramount if you want to reduce the chance of gingivitis. If your oral hygiene is poor, your mouth automatically becomes a mecca for bacteria where inflammation can flourish. It's therefore important that you follow the general advice on oral hygiene.
How to avoid gingivitis:
- Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day
- Use dental floss to clean out the food particles that the toothbrush can't reach
- Avoid too many sugary foods
- Avoid smoking
- Get a regular dental cleaning.
FAQ - gingivitis
Gingivitis, also known as gingivitis, can disappear on its own if the cause of the inflammation is removed and good oral hygiene is practiced consistently. It is important to brush your teeth twice daily, floss and visit the dentist regularly. If gingivitis is not treated and good oral hygiene is not maintained, it can develop into a more serious condition called periodontitis, which requires professional treatment.
Yes, snus can cause gingivitis as snus can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. Long-term use of snus can also lead to gum recession and increased risk of tooth loss. To avoid these problems, it is recommended to avoid snus and maintain good oral hygiene.
Gingivitis itself is not dangerous, but if left untreated, it can develop into more serious gum disease like periodontitis. Untreated periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, bone destruction and increased risk of systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. It is therefore important to practice good oral hygiene and seek professional help if gingivitis occurs.
Contact us and get advice
If you have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
- I look forward to meeting you in the clinic.
- Dental hygienist
Was trained in Vesterbro as a clinical assistant.
Graduated as a dental hygienist June 2023, employed at the clinic from August 2023.
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