Day	Hours
M	08:30 AM – 05:30 PM
T	08:30 AM – 05:30 PM
W	08:30 AM – 05:30 PM
T	08:30 AM – 05:30 PM
F	08:30 AM – 05:30 PM
S	08:30 AM – 04:30 PM
S	08:30 AM – 03:30 PM

Understanding Gingivitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

by Dr Aaron Chin (dentist) | Jul 17, 2023 | Gingivitis

gingivitis causes symptoms and treatment options marketfair dental care

Plaque accumulation on teeth can lead to gum inflammation and gum disease, known as gingivitis.

Gingivitis can lead to more severe complications, such as tooth loss.

The good news is that gingivitis is treatable and can be avoided with proper mouth hygiene.

Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by bacterial plaque accumulation on teeth, a biofilm that attaches to the tooth’s surface.

This plaque can harden into calculus, yellow-white tartar near the gums.

Only dental professionals can remove calculus. Plaque and tartar buildup can trigger immune responses, leading to gum tissue destruction and eventual tooth loss.

Other causes and risk factors

Gingivitis is linked to various factors, including

Hormonal changes
Diseases like cancer, diabetes, HIV
Drugs that reduce saliva production and medicines like Dilantin and angina can also cause abnormal gum tissue growth, increasing the risk of inflammation.
Vitamin deficiencies like vitamins C and D
Smoking
Age
And family history.

Gingivitis Signs and Symptoms

Gums in good health are firm and light pink. They round the teeth firmly. Gingivitis symptoms and signs include:

Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
Bad breath
Puffy or swollen gums
Dark or dusky red gums
Tender gums
Receding gums
Loose teeth

Gingivitis Treatment and Prevention

Our dentists recommend seeking treatment immediately to prevent gingivitis from advancing to more severe gum disease and tooth loss.

We advise quitting smoking and establishing a regular daily oral care regimen for the greatest likelihood of therapeutic effectiveness.

Among the professional remedies for gingivitis are:

Professional dental cleaning

During the initial professional cleaning, all signs of plaque, tartar, and bacteria will be removed.

Scaling and root planing is the name of this process. During scaling, tartar and germs from the surfaces of your teeth and below the gum line are removed.

Root planing cleans the roots’ surfaces and removes the bacteria that inflammation produces. This promotes routine healing and reduces the growth of bacteria and tartar.

Dental restoration, if necessary

Dentists may recommend correcting misaligned teeth or poorly fitting dentures or crowns to improve oral hygiene and gum health.

Maintain dental hygiene

Gingivitis typically resolves after a professional cleaning, but maintaining good oral hygiene at home is crucial. A dentist can assist in creating an effective routine, regular check-ups, and a cleaning schedule to maintain oral health.