Have you been facing dental problems with red and swollen gums caused by plaque?

Then you could be suffering from gingivitis which can get further aggravated leading to more serious dental problems in the future!

What causes Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is mainly caused as a result of plaque or bacteria that form a sticky surface on the tooth which can be often seen in the spaces between the teeth or near the fillings. The plaque contains harmful substances that can results to tartar deposits on the tooth, leading to an increase in the bacterial growth.

In case of gingivitis, the gum tissue looks red and swollen with an inflammation that has been caused due to bacteria. In a healthy individual, the gums look light pink in colour and remain attached to the tooth located beneath the bone.

However, if you are suffering from gingivitis, your gums may be weak and tender and could be susceptible to bleeding. If this condition is left unchecked, there are high possibilities of been exposed to greater dental risks such as Periodontitis.

Who are at greater risk for developing gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a common dental problem faced by adults who are aged 35 years and above. However, there are other people falling in different categories, who are more prone to acquiring gingivitis.

- Risky for people suffering from diabetes

If you are facing problems with diabetes, then there are high chances of getting exposed to dental problems like gingivitis. Diabetes is one of the primary causes of all the gum infections and if not taken care at the right time, it could lead to more serious health concerns in life.

-Hormonal changes in the body

If there are frequent fluctuations in the hormones due to menopause or at the time of periods, it may give rise to dental conditions like gingivitis. Pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing such infections easily due to hormone changes that may react on the body. At times, too much of oral contraceptives can also have adverse effects, often leading to dental problems like gingivitis.

-Overuse of prescription drugs

In case you are used to taking a lot of prescription drugs which includes anti-depressants and anti-histamines, it may lead to oral infections like gingivitis. This is mainly because the saliva production in the body is reduced due to these drugs.

The overall immunity of the body goes down and makes it more prone to dental infections like gingivitis.

-Smoking and chewing tobacco

Those who have developed a habit of chewing tobacco and smoke very frequently may be at a higher risk of getting gingivitis. This is mainly because tobacco can suppress the immunity system that leads to increase chances of getting bacterial infections.

- Lack of proper vitamins in the body

In case there is any vitamin or nutritional deficiency in the body, it can also weaken the gums, causing mouth infections which may lead to gingivitis. A healthy and a balanced diet are crucial for preventing all sorts of infection from occurring in the body.

-Infections in the body

Those who have been affected by any kind of viral or fungal infections may easily become victims to infections that can cause gingivitis. Thrush is a common fungal infection that may lead to low immunity of the body and result in infections.

Diagnosis of Gingivitis

The most common way to diagnose for presence of gingivitis is through proper clinical examination by a good dentist. There may be some visible signs such as bleeding of the gums while brushing the teeth or deposits of tartar on the teeth. Apart from that, the gums may also appear red and swollen, which is the most obvious sign of gingivitis.

Proper care and prevention of Gingivitis

Gingivitis can be prevented to a great extent, if you maintain proper dental hygiene by brushing your teeth regularly and flossing it on a regular basis. Using a good quality mouthwash can also help in preventing plaque to a great extent.

If you find any tartar formation on your tooth, it is better to seek professional advice from a good dentist and get it removed through regular cleaning. It is also advisable to use good toothpaste that can reduce the possibility of tartar formation over the tooth.