Gingivitis
Indicator of poor oral hygiene
Estimated reading time: 2 min.
When the oral cavity is red and swollen or even painful, the gums are often inflamed. In most cases, poor dental and oral hygiene are the culprits. Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, is often caused by bacteria. Although gingivitis may not be painful when it first occurs, it should be treated urgently to avoid secondary diseases.
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What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammatory change of the gums. Gingivitis develops due to too much dental plaque, or plaque. The bacteria it contains slowly spread from the tooth to the gums and begin to damage them. You can often recognize inflamed gums by the fact that they are sensitive and red and swollen. However, symptoms such as slight bleeding of the gums are often overlooked when brushing teeth.
What to do in case of gingivitis?
Tip 1: Good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene not only improves gingivitis, but also prevents the inflammation from spreading to the periodontium. By leaving food residues in the interdental spaces, you risk bacteria multiplying unintentionally and forming unwanted plaque - a breeding ground for caries and a real threat to your dental health.
Tip 2: The right diet
If you want to do something good for your teeth and prevent gingivitis, you should only eat sugary foods occasionally and in moderation. This includes both food and drinks. Acidic foods can also attack and damage the teeth.
Tip 3: Visit the dentist
If gingivitis still hasn't subsided after a few days, there's no way around a visit to the dentist. Without proper treatment, the neck of the tooth and the root can be exposed. Dental plaque can also quickly solidify into tartar, which can then only be removed by the dentist.
What happens if inflamed gums are not treated?
Good oral hygiene is particularly important for good reason. This is how you prevent the gums from becoming inflamed, progressing to chronic gingivitis or other serious consequences:
- Strong bad breath
- Toothache
- Inflammation of the oral mucosa (gingivostomatitis)
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Pus under the gums
- Recession of the gums
- Periodontitis
- Tooth loss
Preventing gingivitis
Certain factors make gingivitis more likely to occur. Make sure you know these factors to prevent gingivitis:
Unbalanced diet
Weakened immune system
Chronic diseases
Tobacco and alcohol consumption
Medication use
Stress
Pregnancy
Do not hesitate for long in case of gingivitis
If gingivitis is suspected, fast action is required. If inflamed gums are treated early, gingivitis can be reversed. To do this, a strict oral care program must be followed. Consult your dentist for advice on an individual care routine. We advise against self-diagnosis and self-treatment, this cannot replace the advice of a dentist.
More interesting articles
There can be different reasons for bleeding gums. The good news: Bleeding gums can usually be repaired quickly.
For daily oral hygiene, toothbrush, mouthwash and interdental floss should not be missing. Learn more with our tips for oral care.
If the oral cavity is inflamed, it threatens further oral diseases. Read here how you can treat and prevent them.