What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a superficial inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth, which is usually easily treatable.
Gingivitis noticed in time affects only the gum margin, and it heals nicely with proper cleaning and locally applied medications. However, if left untreated and no dentist is consulted, even the simplest inflammation can spread further towards the periodontium and deeper tissues, and can even become the basis of a destructive periodontal disease.
It is most often caused by dental plaque accumulated along the gum margin, but non-plaque-induced forms of gingivitis are also known. Systemic factors, hormonal factors, medications, specific bacterial, viral or fungal infections, or an ill-fitting, inaccurate crown margin can play a role in its development. It also frequently accompanies pregnancy.
The main types of gingivitis
- 1Plaque-induced gingivitis: on their own or combined with other irritating factors.
- 2In the background of a general illness: of hormonal or haematological origin, or forms associated with medication or deficiency diseases.
- 3Non-plaque-induced gingivitis: specific bacterial, viral or fungal infections, forms with a genetic background and those associated with dermatological conditions.
- 4Traumatic gingival lesions: inflammation resulting from mechanical injury, as well as allergic or other gum diseases.
The symptoms of gingivitis
A very common first symptom of gingivitis is bleeding while brushing. Ask the specialists of the Dentoplant Dental Clinic for advice in time!
