Common Symptoms Of Gingivitis

Common Symptoms Of Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, or gingiva, accompanied
by any combination of pain, swelling, and a tendency to bleed. If the
inflammation is left untreated the teeth may become loose or fall out.
The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of dental
plaque as a result of poor dental hygiene. Gingivitis may also be
caused by ill-fitting dentures, vitamin C deficiency disease, known as
scurvy, or generalized inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis). It may
also result as a complication of Diabetes.html">diabetes,
leukemia, or pregnancy. While most cases of gingivitis are responsive
to improved oral hygiene, cases in which the gums become tough and
fibrotic may require removal (gingivectomy) of the inflamed tissue.

If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.
At this point, the bone and tissues around the teeth begin to be
destroyed. Periodontitis is a progressive disease that can lead to
further destruction of the bone and tissue supporting the teeth.

It's important to have gingivitis evaluated and treated by your
dentist and dental hygienist. This may involve removal of plaque and
calculus that has built up at the base of your teeth. If gingivitis is
ignored and its treatment neglected, it can lead to more serious
trouble called periodontitis (literally "inflammation around the
tooth"), formerly known as pyorrhea. This long-term infection can
eventually lead to loss of teeth.

The best means of preventing gingivitis is good dental hygiene,
including regular brushing and flossing of your teeth and periodic
professional cleaning to prevent build-up of plaque and calculus. Diet
is an important factor in sustaining good oral health. The avoidance of
simple sugars is the place to start.