GINGIVITIS

Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is a disease caused by a bacterial infection that causes the
gums to become inflamed red and swollen. The main cause of this condition is poor oral hygiene. People
who rarely brush their teeth, often eat sweet and sour foods, never routinely check their teeth to the
doctor are most at risk of developing gingivitis. Many people often do not know they have this disease
because the symptoms are not very clear. However, inflammation of the gums should not be allowed to
go on without treatment. These gum problems can cause periodontitis, which is a serious gum infection
that can damage the bone tissue supporting the teeth. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss and various
other serious problems.

Gingivitis is a common disease. This condition can be experienced by anyone regardless of

gender. However, people who do not maintain oral health are most at high risk. You can avoid the risk of
this disease by preventing existing risk factors. Please consult a dentist for more information.

Gingivitis generally does not directly cause pain. As a result, many people are not aware that
they are experiencing this condition. Even so, there are some signs and symptoms of gum inflammation
that you can be aware of early on. Among them: The gums are reddish, swollen, and feel soft when
touched with the tongue or hands; Gums down or shrink, Gums loose, shifted, or even loose; Gums
bleed easily when you brush your teeth or use dental floss Sometimes reddish colors appear on brush
bristles or dental floss; Changes in gum color from fresh pink to blackish red; Bad breath that does not
fade, or a bad taste in the mouth; intense pain and sharp when opening the mouth to chew, bite, or
even talk.

If you notice that you have one or more of the symptoms of gingivitis above, see your dentist
immediately. Remember, the symptoms of gum inflammation are often not realized. So, the sooner you
go to a doctor, the greater the chance of recovery. Not only that. The sooner you see a dentist, you can
also avoid the risk of serious gum damage such as periodontitis. Usually the dentist recommends a
routine examination to cause more serious problems.

The main cause of gingivitis is plaque buildup. Plaque itself is a sticky layer of bacteria that is
formed from deposits of food debris on the surface of the teeth. Plaque that is allowed to continue to
accumulate in the long term will harden to form tartar under the gum line. Well, tartar is what triggers
inflammation of the gums. Over time, your gums will swell and bleed easily. Dental caries can occur. If
not treated immediately, inflammation of the gums can develop into periodontitis which causes tooth
loss or dislodging.

There are many risk factors that can cause you to experience gum inflammation, including:

1. Genetic history

The American Academy of Periodontology says that as many as 30 percent of gum disease cases
are caused by genetics.
 So, if your grandfather, grandmother, parents, and siblings have gum inflammation, you are at
high risk for experiencing it too.

People with a history of gum inflammation are six times more at risk of experiencing various
forms of gum disease.

2. Age

The more you age, the greater the risk of experiencing gum inflammation.

Poor oral hygiene

If you rarely brush your teeth, flossing your teeth, and see a dentist, you are at high risk for gum
inflammation.

3. Dry mouth

Dry mouth can affect the health of the gums, making them more prone to inflammation and
swelling.

Loose or damaged tooth fillings

Broken dental fillings can increase the risk of infection causing gingivitis and injure other teeth.

Lack of vitamin intake

People who lack vitamin C are more prone to dental and mouth problems, including
inflammation of the gums.

4. Smoking

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that smokers are twice as likely
to develop gum disease as non-smokers.

5. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes experienced by women during pregnancy, monthly menstruation, and

menopause can increase blood circulation to the gums. This makes the gums more easily inflamed,
swollen, and bleeding.

6. Certain medications

Taking certain medications such as birth control pills, steroids, anticonvulsants (seizure drugs),
chemotherapy, blood thinning drugs, and calcium channel blockers can increase your risk of getting gum
inflammation.

7. Certain medical conditions

 People who have a history of certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV /
AIDS, are at high risk of developing gum inflammation because their immune systems tend to be weak. It
will be difficult for their bodies to fight the bacteria that cause infections.

8. Medicine & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is gingivitis diagnosed?

Gingivitis can be diagnosed by dental examination. During the examination, the dentist will
examine the gums to see if there is any inflammation while asking about your overall medical history.

The doctor will also measure the depth of your gum pouch. The depth of the gum pouch ideally
ranges from 1-3 millimeters. If needed, the dentist can also do an x-ray examination to see whether
there is a fractured or broken tooth bone.

In mild cases, gingivitis can usually be treated by brushing your teeth more diligently. Brush your
teeth at least twice a day (morning and night) with the right technique. Brush your teeth slowly in a
circular motion from top to bottom. Do it the same way for each section for 20 seconds. All surfaces of
the teeth must be brushed, no one must be missed so that no food scraps are involved. Finally, rinse
your mouth with mouth rinse with clean water. Choosing the tool also must be right. Use a soft bristle
brush with a small tipped head to reach the deepest part of the mouth. Also, make sure that the algae
brush you are using is comfortable when held. While for select toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Fluoride is effective for strengthening and protecting your teeth from damage. To be really clean, don't
forget to do flossing. Flossing is a technique of cleaning teeth using threads to remove food debris stuck
between teeth. Flossing at least twice a day after brushing your teeth. If you consistently do all this, your
gums will look healthy again in a few days or weeks. Maintain the habit of toothbrush and flosssiing
throughout your life to avoid mouth problems.

Certain medications; Pain medication. If the pain is so intense that it makes it difficult for you to
chew and bite food, your doctor may prescribe painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. Both of
these drugs are effective in relieving the sensation of numbness around the gums. Mouthwash.
Antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can be used to help fight bacteria that cause infections
in the mouth. Use mouthwash as recommended by the doctor. Improper use can actually worsen the
condition of your gums. Antibiotic medicine. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent the
infection from getting worse. Antibiotics work by suppressing the growth of bacteria that cause
infections. Take antibiotics must be careful. Mistakenly, your condition actually gets worse or longer
heals.

Diligent toothbrush

The main cause of gingivitis and various other gum problems is plaque that is formed from food
scraps. Therefore, you must regularly brush your teeth every day. The experts recommend that
everyone brush their teeth twice a day, every morning and night.
 Don't forget, you also have to do dental flossing. Flossing is effective for removing plaque and
food scraps that are tucked between the teeth and under the gum line.

Quit smoking

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for gingivitis and gum disease. Even experts note that people
who smoke seven times the risk of gum disease than non-smokers.

Therefore, from now on you must try to stop smoking. Apart from preventing gum
inflammation, stopping smoking can also improve your overall body health.

Eat nutritious food

Proper nutrition can help your immune system more effectively fight the bacteria that cause
gingivitis. Avoid consuming food and drinks that are too much sugar.

It is better to multiply to eat fruits and vegetables and other foods that contain vitamins C and E.
This is because these two types of vitamins can help your body repair damaged tissue.

Avoid stress

In fact, stress can also affect the health of your teeth and mouth. When you are stressed, your
immune system will be more difficult to fight the bacteria that cause infection. You will also be more
susceptible to gingivitis and other gum diseases.

Routine check with the dentist

Another thing that is no less important to prevent gingivitis is a routine check with the dentist.
Periodic examinations can make it easier for your doctor to monitor your overall oral health.

If the doctor at any time finds a problem with your gums or teeth, he will be faster to provide
appropriate treatment.

Visit the dentist regularly every 6-12 months. However, if there are certain risk factors that
make you more susceptible to gingivitis, you may need to consult more often.