Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common health condition characterized by redness and swelling of the gums. About half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from gum disease, and the percentage increases with getting older.(1)(2) Discover the symptoms, causes and treatment of gingivitis.

Symptoms of gingivitis

Healthy gums are characterized by their light pink color, firmness, and tight fit around the teeth. The symptoms of gingivitis can be classified as follows:(3)(4)


Mild gingivitis

Mild gingivitis does not cause any symptoms, and the patient may not realize they have gingivitis at all. If symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • Redness and swelling of the gums. You may notice their color changing to dark red or purple.
  • Gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
  • Feeling pain when touching the gums.
  • Bad breath.
  • Gum sensitivity to hot and cold food.


Severe gingivitis

In this case the gums become very painful and bleed easily Therefore, you may feel difficulty when eating, or when brushing your teeth. Other symptoms of severe gingivitis include:

  • Feeling severe pain when touching the gums.
  • High body temperature.
  • Feeling pain and swelling in the lymph nodes.
  • Gum recession.
  • Loosening or loss of teeth.
  • Bad breath that does not go away even when brushing your teeth.


Causes of gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by Plaque buildup; A thick layer of bacteria on the surface of the teeth Which results from the interaction of food residues with bacteria in the mouth. Over time, this layer becomes thicker, especially when a person does not take care of his teeth regularly, which leads to the formation of tartar, which provides a suitable environment for the growth and multiplication of bacteria, and causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gums. (5)


Factors that increase the risk of gingivitis

Gingivitis affects individuals of all ages. However, there are some factors that increase the risk of gingivitis, such as: (4)(5)

  • Not practicing good oral and dental hygiene.
  • Aging.
  • Smoking in all its forms.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Diabetes, because the constant rise in blood sugar weakens immunity and causes dry mouth, thus increasing the chance of gingivitis.
  • Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, menstruation, or use of contraceptives.
  • Malnutrition and not getting enough vitamins such as vitamin C.
  • Dental procedures, such as incorrectly installing fillings, veneers, or implants.
  • Cracks or fractures in the teeth, making it difficult to clean the teeth.
  • Genetic predisposition.
  • Some medications, such as: epilepsy medications, antihypertensive medications, and angina medications.
  • Suffering from some general inflammatory diseases in the body, such as: cardiovascular disease and rheumatism.
  • Suffering from diseases that reduce immunity, such as: leukemia and cancer, or taking medications that reduce immunity.

Diagnosis of gingivitis

The dentist diagnoses gingivitis based on the visible signs of inflammation on the gums. He also measures the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums to indicate the health of your gums and teeth. (6)

Treatment of gingivitis

It is possible to treat simple gingivitis at home, and this depends on cleaning the teeth well and removing plaque (the thick layer of bacteria) accumulated on the teeth through brushing the teeth well and using floss. (6)


If these measures are not sufficient or if tartar forms on the teeth, you should see a doctor who will perform a deep cleaning of the teeth in the clinic. (6)


Frequently asked questions


Does gingivitis cause toothache?

Yes, Gingivitis can cause pain that increases in intensity with increased tartar accumulation and inflammation. As we mentioned, gingivitis in advanced stages may cause severe pain when chewing food, which reduces your desire to eat. (3)


What are the complications of untreated gingivitis?

If you ignore gingivitis, the condition may worsen and the inflammation may spread from the gums to the tissue surrounding the teeth, to the bones in more severe cases. Which can cause abscesses, gum recession, and tooth loss. (6)




Don't let things deteriorate like this, be cautious and take care of your oral health! The Dental Center at Al-Ahli Hospital is the leading center in Qatar, offering the latest technologies for diagnosing and treating dental problems, led by a team of the most skilled consultants and specialists with high qualifications and long experience.



How can gingivitis be prevented?


Here are some tips to prevent gingivitis: (4)

  • Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss at least once a day
  • Drink sufficient amounts of water and fluids during the day.
  • Quit smoking if you are a smoker.
  • Reduce the consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
  • See your dentist twice a year.

References