Gingivitis is the term used for swollen gums. This is a very common problem that involves inflammation and infection of the gums.
Causes: One of the main causes for Gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that leads to plaque deposits. Plaque can be defined as the soft deposits (food remains) that adhere to tooth surface or other hard surfaces in the oral cavity including dentures. If left untreated, it turns hard (tartar) and is trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. Bacteria and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender.
Other causes of gingivitis are general illness, pregnancy (hormonal changes), uncontrolled diabetes, crowded teeth. Not so proper fitting braces, dentures, bridge can also irritate the gums and increase the risk of gingivitis. Gingivitis can also occur due to nasal obstruction and mouth breathing.
Symptoms
Treatment: Good oral hygiene is necessary for successful prevention and treatment of gingivitis. If the deposits have turned hard in the mouth, then the dentist will advice professional mouth cleaning (Scaling).
After scaling, effective oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) is essential to avoid reoccurrence of gingivitis.
