Have you seen blood in the sink when brushing your teeth recently? If so, that bleeding may be one of the first symptoms of gingivitis. it’s estimated that over 35.7 million Americans suffer from gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more severe forms of periodontal disease, and eventually, loss of teeth. Luckily, however, the condition is reversible, especially when caught and treated early. To understand gingivitis treatment, it is first important to note what gingivitis really is.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease (gum disease), a condition which can affect the gums, periodontal ligaments, and tooth sockets. Generally, gingivitis is a bacterial infection that is limited to the gum area. There are two main forms of gingivitis: plaque-induced gingivitis, and non-plaque induced gingivitis.
- Plaque-induced gingivitis is the most common form of the condition. This is when plaque, a sticky material consisting of bacteria, food debris, and mucus, accumulates on the teeth. If ignored for a long period of time, the plaque mineralizes into tartar, a hard white substance that makes the plaque more difficult to remove. As the plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, they begin to irritate, inflame, and infect the gums, triggering an autoimmune response which leads to the most common sign of gingivitis, bleeding gums.
- Non-plaque induced gingivitis, though much less common, can also occur when other factors irritate or injure your gums. Overtly vigorous brushing, aggressive flossing, athletic injuries or food allergies can all injure your teeth and gums, leading to gingivitis. Other systemic conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, and diseases that decrease immunity can also be risk factors.
