Gingivitis: symptoms, causes and treatment of gum disease

Our mouth is a place full of bacteria, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, neglecting our oral hygiene can have more serious consequences such as the appearance of cavities or gingivitis. In the case of gingivitis or inflammation of the gums, if not treated in time, more serious problems and symptoms such as receding gums and periodontitis can arise. In this article you will discover everything about gums with gingivitis including what it is, what causes it, and how to treat or cure it.

What is gingivitis and what does it look like?

Before we get into the details, it’s important that we start with the meaning of gingivitis. What is gingivitis? It is a type of periodontal disease characterised by inflamed or swollen gums. To recognise this disease, it’s important that you know what gingivitis looks like. It can present symptoms like swelling, drainage, rash, change in the gum line and shape, as well as discomfort.

What are the causes of gingivitis?

There are several causes of gingivitis. In this article we will only mention the most common and important causes of gingivitis that can be treated with various treatments. So, let’s take a look at what some of the causes of gingivitis are.

Gingivitis from poor oral hygiene

Gingivitis starts when the teeth aren’t properly brushed, as plaque adheres along the gum line, accumulating between the gums and the teeth. This plaque causes irritation in the gums, forming pockets between them and the teeth. The bacteria found within these pockets of plaque can cause swollen gums and gingivitis as well as cavities in the roots of the teeth.

Gingivitis during pregnancy

Inflammation of the gums and gingivitis during pregnancy is caused by an increase in the hormone progesterone, which can contribute to increased blood flow in the gum tissues, making them more sensitive, more swollen and prone to inflammation when you brush and floss your teeth. Due to the hormonal changes that occur from the second month of pregnancy, the gums become more sensitive, increasing the risk of gingivitis.

Gingivitis with braces

We often see a greater sense of carelessness regarding oral hygiene in patients with braces, creating an ideal environment for oral gingivitis to occur. Depending on the structure of the orthodontic device, it may be necessary to use certain tools to brush your teeth, such as interproximal brushes, to avoid the accumulation of bacterial plaque between teeth and caries causing gingivitis. This is why it’s extremely important that you take extra good care of your teeth and gums when you have braces to avoid gingivitis.

Gingivitis and crooked or crowded teeth

Crooked or crowded teeth can cause plaque buildup, which increases the likelihood of gingivitis.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis

Gingivitis can present some signs and symptoms that distinguish it from other pathologies. However, some of these symptoms may be related to diseases other than gingivitis, so it is important to see your dentist to understand what is going on in your mouth. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are pain and inflammation of the gums and bleeding. There can be some other signs of gingivitis as well, like bumps on the gums or sometimes drainage in severe cases.

Gingivitis treatments: how to get rid of or cure gingivitis

Now you might be wondering how to treat or get rid of gingivitis, let’s take a look. The treatment for gingivitis depends on how far the gum disease has progressed. In less severe cases, the dentist may opt for root scaling to remove tartar from between the teeth and gums. This is the first option for how to cure gingivitis. Scaling and root planing may also be necessary to remove necrotic tissue, especially in more advanced cases where periodontitis is already present.

How to treat swollen gums and gingivitis differs from patient to patient, so there is no single solution. Which is another great reminder of why you should consult a specialist.

Gingivitis and orthodontics

Given the greater difficulty in oral hygiene during the use of fixed orthodontic appliances, the probability of food particles accumulating around the braces is greater and can lead to the accumulation of bacterial plaque, one of the main causes of gingivitis. As an alternative to appliances with metal brackets, Impress offers removable transparent aligners, which facilitate easy cleaning. When you can brush and remove plaque or tartar in the most difficult areas, the likelihood of gingivitis decreases.

Can you get braces or other orthodontic devices with gingivitis?

If you already have gingivitis, getting an orthodontic appliance will depend on your specific situation. If the case is mild and you manage to control and change the situation, you can get braces or aligners with gingivitis, and if you already have them it’s not necessary to interrupt your orthodontic treatment. In the case of severe gingivitis, you might not be able to start or continue treatment so that the gingivitis does not worsen. It will always be the specialist who will determine the steps to follow in each individual case.

Gingivitis and Impress clear orthodontics

Since the meaning of gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, Impress aligners are an excellent alternative. Because the aligners are removable, you’ll be able to take them out during meals and for daily oral hygiene. This allows you to properly brush your teeth, without elements that can hinder cleaning. Additionally, Impress aligners have fixed prices, as well as several treatment plans that are adapted to each case.

Bearing this in mind, if you want to know more about Impress, you can contact us for an initial consultation. There we’ll take x-rays and perform an oral check-up to see the state of your teeth and gums. We also create a complete scan of your oral cavity.

If you want to know more about how we can help you, reach out to us by calling or texting us at +44 20 3808 1072 or WhatsApp, or by filling out our online form to schedule an appointment. Come visit us and we will advise you. Discover your nearest Impress clinic!