what is Gingivitis?
Jul 21, 2009 Health
Gingivitis (“inflammation of the gums”) (gingiva) around the teeth is a general term for gingival diseases affecting the gingiva (gums).[1] As generally used, the term gingivitis refers to gingival inflammation induced by bacterial biofilms (also called plaque) adherent to tooth surfaces.
Gingivitis can be defined as inflammation of the gingival tissue without loss of tooth attachment (i.e.periodontal ligament). Gingivitis is an irritation of the gums. It is usually caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates in the small gaps between the gums and the teeth and by calculus (tartar) that forms on the teeth. These accumulations may be tiny, even microscopic, but the bacteria in them produce foreign chemicals and toxins that cause inflammation of the gums around the teeth. This inflammation can, over the years, cause deep pockets between the teeth and gums and loss of bone around teeth—an effect otherwise known as periodontitis. Since the bone in the jaws holds the teeth into the jaws, the loss of bone from periodontitis can cause teeth over the years to become loose and eventually to fall out or need to be extracted because of acute infection.
Proper maintenance (varying from “regular cleanings” to periodontal maintenance or scaling and root planing) above and below the gum line, done professionally by a dental hygienist or dentist, disrupts this plaque biofilm and removes plaque retentive calculus (tartar) to help remove the etiology of inflammation. Once cleaned, plaque will begin to grow on the teeth within hours. However, it takes approximately 3 months for the pathogenic type of bacteria (typically gram negative anaerobes and spirochetes) to grow back into deep pockets and restart the inflammatory process. Calculus (tartar) may start to reform within 24 hours. Ideally, scientific studies show that all people with deep periodontal pockets (greater than 5 mm) should have the pockets between their teeth and gums cleaned by a dental hygienist or dentist every 3–4 months.
People with a healthy periodontium (gingiva, alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments) or people with gingivitis may only require periodontal debridement every 6 months. However, many dental professionals only recommend debridement (cleanings) every 6 months, because this has been the standard advice for decades, and because the benefits of regular debridement (cleanings) are too subtle for many patients to notice without regular education from the dental hygienist or dentist. If the inflammation in the gums becomes especially well-developed, it can invade the gums and allow tiny amounts of bacteria and bacterial toxins to enter the bloodstream. The patient may not be able to notice this, but studies suggest this can result in a generalized increase in inflammation in the body and/or cause possible long term heart problems. Periodontitis has also been linked to diabetes, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, pancreatic cancer and pre-term low birth weight babies.[citation needed]
Sometimes, the inflammation of the gingiva can suddenly amplify, such as to cause a disease called Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingitivitis (ANUG), otherwise known as “trench mouth.” The etiology of ANUG is the overgrowth of a particular type of pathogenic bacteria (fusiform-spirochete variety) but risk factors such as stress, poor nutrition and a compromised immune system can exacerbate the infection. This results in the breath being extremely bad-smelling, and the gums feeling considerable pain and degeneration of the periodontium rapidly occurs. This can be successfully treated with a 1-week course of Metronidazole antibiotic, followed by a deep cleaning of the gums by a dental hygienist or dentist and reduction of risk factors such as stress.
When the teeth are not cleaned properly by regular brushing and flossing, bacterial plaque accumulates, and becomes mineralized by calcium and other minerals in the saliva transforming it into a hard material called calculus (tartar) which harbors bacteria and irritates the gingiva (gums). Also, as the bacterial plaque biofilm becomes thicker this creates an anoxygenic environment which allows more pathogenic bacteria to flourish and release toxins and cause gingival inflammation. Pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and the onset of puberty increase the risk of gingivitis, due to hormonal changes that may increase the susceptibility of the gums or alter the composition of the dentogingival microflora.[citation needed] The risk of gingivitis is increased by misaligned teeth, the rough edges of fillings, and ill fitting or unclean dentures, bridges, and crowns. This is due to their plaque retentive properties. Birth control pills, and ingestion of heavy metals such as lead and bismuth may also cause gingivitis.
Source: Wikipedia
Tags: boy dentist, dentist, Gingivitis
