gingivitis causes ?
Contents
1 causes of gingivitis
1.1 Formation of dental plaques
1.2 Other causes and risk factors
2 tips to prevent gingivitis
Causes of gingivitis
Periodontal disease is an infection or inflammation that causes the destruction of the gums, bones, and periodontal ligaments, which are all tissues that support the teeth, and it is worth mentioning that gingivitis represents an early form of periodontal disease, and the causes of gingivitis will be explained in some detail in the following Come:
Dental plaque formation
Dental plaque, plaque or dental biofilm means an invisible sticky layer that appears on the teeth, and it consists mainly of bacteria, mucus, and small food parts.
This layer arises as a result of the interaction of sugar and starch in foods with bacteria naturally present in the mouth And the longer the dental plaque stays on the teeth, the more difficult it is to remove, and this results in hardening under the gum line, which leads to the formation of tartar or calculus, which makes removing dental plaque more difficult, and it is worth noting that this layer enables Bacteria from accumulating in it so that dental plaque becomes a protective layer for bacteria, and eventually this causes gingivitis, mainly due to neglect of oral cleaning, and it should be noted that removing this layer and limiting its re-formation requires a specialized dental cleaning in the doctor’s office in addition to paying attention and clean them on a daily basis due to the fact that they are prone to formation over and over again, and if the plaque cleaning is neglected, tooth decay can occur and the gums become more irritated, and over time The gums swell and become more prone to bleeding, and gingivitis in this case may result in the individual suffering from periodontitis, and this is due to the formation of cavities in the teeth when the bones and the inner layer of the gums move away from the teeth, which go deeper into the teeth with the development of inflammation, so the teeth become loose and not They remain in place, which may lead to their loss, and it is worth noting that gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.
Other causes and risk factors
Gingivitis is common and can occur in anyone, and there are many factors that increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including the following:
Not using dental floss and brushing to clean the teeth on a daily basis, or not brushing the teeth properly.
Dental structure factors; Such as crowded teeth, or the use of ill-fitting dentures.
Not visiting the dentist regularly for cleaning and follow-up changes that occur to the teeth.
Breathing through the mouth, this may lead to chronic inflammation and irritation of the gums, since keeping the mouth open prevents the lips from protecting the gums.
Malnutrition; A diet poor in water and vitamin C may be associated with an increased risk of gingivitis, and a lack of vitamin C will slow the recovery of infections when they occur, and it is noted that a diet rich in carbohydrates and sugars increases the risk of dental plaque formation that may cause inflammation. gums.
Hormonal changes that occur during puberty and early adulthood, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, as these changes cause the gums to become more sensitive and increase the risk of infection, and the duration of inflammation in these cases depends on the health of teeth and gums; It may go away quickly or stay for a long time.
In this context, the possibility of developing a certain type of gingivitis in postmenopausal women is indicated, and this occurs as a result of the outer layers of the gums moving away from the teeth, which loses their hardness, and this condition is called desquamative gingivitis, and It is worth noting that this condition affects the nerve endings of the teeth, and this is what causes severe pain to the patient.
Cancer or infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which affects the immune system in the human body, which may affect the health of the gums.
Having diabetes, where a diabetic is more prone to infection and inflammation; Including periodontal disease and cavities, as a result of high blood sugar levels.
the occurrence of viral infections; Such as acute herpetic gingivostomatitis caused by the herpes virus, which may cause holes and small ulcers inside the mouth and gums in some people who are infected with this virus for the first time.
Having some allergic reactions or genetic diseases.
Taking some types of medications, as gingivitis is one of the side effects that may result from the use of some medications, especially when used in incorrect doses and non-compliance with the doctor’s instructions and recommendations related to their use, and these medications include:
Cyclosporine is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Calcium channel blockers; Such as nifedipine, which is used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure.
Phenytoin is used to control seizures and epilepsy.
Pills.
Bismuth.
Having a family history of gingivitis, this may be due to the type of bacteria acquired during the first period of a person's life.
aging
Smoking, chewing tobacco, or using drugs.
alcoholism.
Stress and psychological stress that negatively affect the ability of the immune system to deal with bacteria that cause inflammation.
Dry mouth, which may occur due to the use of certain medications or age.
obesity;
Tips to prevent gingivitis
There are a set of tips and guidelines that can be followed to prevent gingivitis, including the following:
Clean the mouth well and properly, and this is by using a toothbrush and dental floss, and dentists are advised to use dental floss at least once a day before brushing the teeth, allowing the removal of bacteria and accumulated food particles. As for the toothbrush, it is recommended to use it at least twice a day in the morning And in the evening, so that the teeth are cleaned by using it for at least two minutes each time, and it is best to use it after each meal.
Visiting the dentist regularly every six months to a year to check the health of the teeth and perform a cleaning for them. As for people who are prone to gum infections, they need several visits separated by short periods of time, and the specialist doctor can annually conduct a dental imaging using dental rays to detect infections and monitor changes that occur in the mouth and that are not seen by theoretical examination.
Maintaining blood sugar level if a person has diabetes.
Follow a healthy diet that helps restore damaged tissues and fight infection, and this includes making sure to eat foods rich in antioxidants; Such as foods that contain vitamin C such as broccoli, potatoes, and citrus fruits, or foods that contain vitamin E such as nuts, green leafy vegetables, and vegetable oils, and it is indicated to be careful to reduce foods rich in fats and sugars.
Drink fluoridated water.
Quit smoking, as this contributes to maintaining the health of the gums, and it is worth noting that smoking causes a decrease in blood flow to the gums, which prevents them from bleeding when exposed to a factor that causes gum bleeding in the normal situation, and therefore it is difficult to notice the occurrence of gum infections in smokers, but When a person stops smoking, blood flow returns to the gums, and bleeding appears as one of the symptoms indicative of addressing the formation of dental plaque.
Use toothpaste and mouthwash with anti-tartar and anti-bacterial properties.
Follow ways to control stress and psychological pressure.
Avoid pulling and grinding of teeth, as this may lead to the destruction of the surrounding tissues by increasing the force of external pressure on them.
Using specialized home appliances to help remove the dental plaque layer; Such as using a specialized toothbrush or toothpicks.