Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness, and swelling (inflammation) of your gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. It's important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. Gingivitis can lead to much more serious gum disease called periodontitis and tooth loss.
What are the causes of gingivitis?
- Gingivitis is primarily caused by plaque buildup on teeth, which leads to inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. (1)
- Poor oral hygiene is a significant risk factor, with brushing and flossing regularly being key preventive measures. (2)
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes affect gingival tissues and their relationship to periodontal disease by influencing corticosteroids, androgens, estrogens, and progesterone. These hormones can worsen plaque-induced gingivitis through immune suppression, increased fluid exudation, bone resorption, and fibroblast activity. Hormones mainly cause false pocketing (deeper gum pockets around the teeth) without actually causing the gums to detach from the teeth, except in progressive periodontal disease with inflammation and bone loss. Androgens and estrogens help repair tissues but can cause gingival overgrowth, while estrogen and progesterone can lead to pregnancy gingivitis and accelerate periodontal disease with long-term contraceptive use. (3) (4)
- Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and genetic predisposition.
How to cure gingivitis?
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums, leading to cavities and gum disease if not properly removed. Want to use a plastic free and vegan floss? Try out our Georganics floss (5)
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- Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial. A dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar (hardened plaque) that you can't remove with regular brushing and flossing. These visits also allow your dentist to check for signs of gum disease and other oral health issues early on, ensuring timely treatment. If you are struggling financially there are organisations like Dentaid that can help you! (6)
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth, decreasing plaque and gingivitis. Rinsing with mouthwash reaches areas that brushing and flossing might miss, providing an extra layer of protection against gum disease. We would strongly recommend to use our oil pulling mouthwash which is the perfect mouthwash for gum infections, especially our tea tree one. Curious to learn more about this? Have a look at our blogs on oil-pulling What is Oil Pulling, 6 Oil Pulling Sins (You might be making), Oil Swishing, Oil Pulling, can I do it at home?
- Maintain a balanced diet and limit sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to plaque formation. Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports overall oral health, while reducing sugar intake helps prevent the growth of plaque-causing bacteria. Please check out our article on how to remineralise your teeth for more info ! (8)
- Smoking and chewing tobacco increase the risk of gingivitis and other periodontal diseases. Quitting these habits can significantly improve gum health and overall oral hygiene. Tobacco use weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off a gum infection, and slows healing after oral procedures.
Are gingivitis and periodontal disease the same?
Be careful, gingivitis and periodontal disease are not the same. Periodontal Disease (or periodontitis) occurs when gingivitis is left untreated, leading to the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone. This can result in tooth loss and other serious health issues. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, while periodontal disease is a more advanced condition that involves the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. Proper oral hygiene can prevent gingivitis from progressing to periodontal disease. A new article on periodontal disease will be available soon on our blog !
To sum up, gingivitis is a prevalent yet mild form of gum disease that, if left untreated, can progress to more severe conditions like periodontitis, potentially leading to tooth loss. Key to preventing and treating gingivitis is maintaining excellent oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and the use of antibacterial mouthwash. Additionally, routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings play a crucial role in managing plaque and tartar buildup. By adopting these preventive measures and staying informed about the risk factors, you can maintain healthy gums and prevent the progression of gum disease.