Also known as periodontal disease, gingivitis is a mild and common type of gum disease. It causes a patient's gingival swelling, bleeding, redness, and irritation. Gingiva is the part of the gum around the base of the teeth. You must take gingivitis seriously and treat it quickly. Usually, gingivitis does not lead to bone loss. However, it can cause more serious gum disease like periodontitis and tooth loss if left untreated. The common cause of gingivitis is failing to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. You should maintain good oral health habits, like getting regular dental checkups, flossing daily, and brushing twice daily. You should seek the prompt services of a reputable dentist if you notice the first signs of gingivitis. 

Symptoms of Gingivitis

You can have gingivitis symptoms and fail to know because they are not obvious in the early stages. Patients can develop the following symptoms as the condition worsens over time:

  • Pain or tenderness in the gums, especially when you chew food
  • Sensitivity to cold or hot foods
  • Red and swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed easily, especially when a patient brushes their teeth
  • Bad breath that remains in the mouth even after brushing

Gingivitis Risk Factors

Anyone can develop gingivitis, especially people who do not observe proper oral hygiene habits. The following people are at a higher risk of suffering from gingivitis:

  • Individuals who smoke because smoke weakens the ability of the person's body to fight infections
  • People living in poverty are more likely to neglect their dental health
  • Individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB)

Gingivitis is your body's inflammatory response to the accumulation of tartar and plaque on your teeth. When tartar and plaque remain on a person's teeth for longer, the gums become swollen, irritated, and red. The following are the factors that could enhance the likelihood of suffering gingivitis:

  • Certain genes
  • Medical conditions like fungal and viral infections
  • Conditions that lower immunity, like cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, or leukemia
  • Hormonal changes, like those associated with pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or the menstrual cycle
  • Certain drugs like phenytek and Dilantin for epileptic seizures and some calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure, angina, and other conditions.
  • Crooked teeth that are hard to clean
  • Tooth restorations that are in poor condition or do not fit properly, like bridges, fillings, veneers, or dental implants
  • Poor nutrition, including lack of vitamin C
  • Dry mouth
  • Older age
  • Chewing tobacco or smoking
  • Poor oral care habits

How Plaque Can Lead To Gingivitis

Plaque accumulation is the leading cause of gingivitis. Plaque accumulates when you do not clean your teeth often, and food particles gather around the teeth. Here are the stages of gingivitis development:

Plaque Forms on The Teeth

Plaque is a colorless, sticky film. It is composed of bacteria that form on a person's teeth after eating sugars and starches in food. You should remove plaque every day since it forms fast.

Plaque Turns Into Tartar

Plaque sticks on your teeth and hardens under your gum line into tartar. Also known as calculus, tartar then gathers bacteria. Tartar, unlike plaque, is hard to remove because it forms a protective shield for bacteria and irritates the gum line. You require professional dental cleaning services to remove tartar.

Gingiva Becomes Irritated And Swells

Gingiva is part of a person's gum around the base of the teeth. Plaque and tartar accumulation irritate the gingiva more if they remain on the teeth for a long time. After some time, your gums will swell and bleed easily. This condition is known as gingivitis; it can cause tooth decay, loss, or periodontitis if not treated.

Complications Of Gingivitis

If untreated, gingivitis can cause gum disease, which spreads to the underlying bone and tissue. Gum disease is also known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is an advanced condition that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is associated with diseases affecting the whole body, like rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, coronary disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease. Research shows that the bacterium that causes periodontitis can enter a person's bloodstream through gum tissue. It could then affect the lungs, heart, and other body parts.

Also known as necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG), trench mouth is another severe form of gingivitis. Trench mouth usually causes ulcers that are painful, infected, and bleeding gums. NUG is rare in developed countries but is common in third-world countries with poor living conditions and nutrition.

Whether Gingivitis Is Contagious

Gingivitis-causing bacteria can be transmitted from one person to another. Scientists argue gingivitis is not contagious, but a person with it can spread bacteria through saliva-to-saliva contact.

Typically, you are not likely to suffer gingivitis from sharing utensils or kissing. However, you are more likely to suffer from gingivitis if you have saliva-to-saliva contact with a person suffering from gingivitis. The infection can happen if you have poor oral hygiene or have health conditions that could expose you to diseases like leukemia or HIV/AIDS.

Diagnosis And Testing Of Gingivitis

You should see a dentist for a checkup if you have gingivitis symptoms. Your dentist will examine your mouth for the following:

  • Loose teeth
  • Bleeding
  • If your gums are pulling away from your teeth (gum recession)
  • Signs of infection, like swelling and redness

If your dentist suspects gum disease, he/she can use dental X-rays to reveal whether the gum disease has affected your jawbone underneath. Your dentist can also recommend that you seek the services of a periodontist.

Management And Treatment Of Gingivitis

The gingivitis treatment aims to arrest infection and restore healthy gums and teeth. Your periodontist or dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to eliminate harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Other gingivitis treatments include the following:

Dental Work Repair

Your dentist can remove or fix bridges, fillings, or crowns that stick out or fail to fit well. It is easier to keep smoother surfaces clean.

Antimicrobial Mouthwash

You could destroy disease-causing bacteria by rinsing your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash.

Improved Oral Hygiene

Generally, a good dental cleaning could eliminate gingivitis. You must also maintain cleanliness when you go back home. Your dentist will teach you to clean your teeth properly during routine dental checkups.

Scaling And Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are similar to regular dental cleaning. However, this procedure reaches deeper beneath your gums. Scaling eliminates bacteria and tartar. Planing prevents bacteria from sticking by smoothing the surfaces of your teeth roots.

Home Remedies For Gingivitis

Home remedies are an effective and cheap way to treat gingivitis. Home remedies can clear gingivitis if you begin treatment at an early stage. You should treat plaque before it advances to tartar. You should also increase the duration and frequency of brushing and flossing your teeth.

You should purchase high-quality products to clean your teeth. Ensure you keep your teeth cleaning products in the proper temperatures, mainly if you live in a warmer environment.

Most home remedies are generally safe to use, but you should consult your dentist before you use them if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or suffering from any other medical condition. You should also see your dentist if you experience severe symptoms like extreme bleeding or pain. Consult your dentist if your gingivitis is not improving with the natural remedies.

The following are typical home remedies you could use to treat gingivitis:

Oil–Pulling Options

Oil pulling is a method that involves swishing oil into your mouth for a period of 20 to 30 minutes. It eliminates toxins, reduces harmful bacteria, and improves overall oral health. Oil pulling is a popular gingivitis treatment method in the United States and many other countries. The oil-pulling techniques include:

Arimedadi Oil Pulling

Arimedadi oil prevents the growth of plaque and improves the symptoms of gingivitis. Arimedadi oil could also do the following:

  • Relieve pain
  • Heal mouth sores
  • Reduce swelling
  • Strengthen teeth and gums

Coconut Oil Pulling

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Using coconut oil for oil pulling reduces plaque and signs of gingivitis. Coconut oil pulling could also clear sinuses, relieve tension and headaches, freshen breath, and make teeth white.

Salt Water Treatment

A salt-water rinse can treat gums inflamed by gingivitis. Salt is typically a natural disinfectant, which can help a patient's body heal. Salt water could also do the following:

  • Remove bad breath
  • Remove food particles from the teeth
  • Reduce bacteria
  • Help reduce pain
  • Soothe inflamed gums

Unfortunately, using a salt-water rinse for longer periods could affect your tooth enamel. The salty water's acidic properties could erode your teeth.

Mouthwash Use

You could try a more advanced mouthwash if the salt-water rinse does not treat your gingivitis. However, you should avoid swallowing the mouthwash. You should spit the mixture after swishing it in your mouth. You can try homemade mouthwash first, even if there are over-the-counter and prescription mouthwashes for gingivitis. The homemade mouthwashes could include:

Guava Leaf Mouthwash

Guava leaves have been an effective gingivitis treatment for a long time. Guava leaves have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which could control plaque effectively. Guava leaf mouthwash could also perform the following functions:

  • Freshen breath
  • Relieve pain
  • Reduce gum inflammation

Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash

Tea tree oil is effective for the treatment of gingivitis. However, you should use a highly diluted amount if you try it for the first time. Highly concentrated tea tree oil mouthwash could cause the following:

  • Mild burning
  • Rash
  • An allergic reaction

Tea tree oil could also cause interactions with the following:

  • Herbs
  • Dietary supplements
  • Certain drugs

Aloe Vera Mouthwash

Aloe vera is as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Unlike tea tree oil, aloe Vera juice does not need to be diluted. You should purchase aloe Vera from a reliable source and follow the instructions. It is not recommended that you use this mouthwash if you are allergic to it.

Lemongrass Oil Mouthwash

Lemongrass oil effectively reduces plaque and gingivitis levels, even more than the traditional chlorhexidine mouthwash. Food-grade lemongrass oil is safe to use but very potent. Start with a highly diluted mixture to avoid further irritation.

Sage Mouthwash

Sage mouthwash can significantly reduce the number of bacteria that cause dental plaque. You will not experience any irritation when you rinse your mouth with sage mouthwash.

Preventing Gingivitis

Practicing good oral hygiene can help you reduce the risk of contracting gingivitis. The following are some of the prevention measures you should take:

  • Thoroughly brush your teeth twice daily — When you wake up in the morning and before retiring to bed at night.
  • Flossing your teeth daily to eliminate bacteria between your teeth
  • Visiting the dentist at least twice per year for checkups — You should visit the dentist more regularly if you have any symptoms
  • Avoid drinks containing alcohol and eating food containing too much sugar
  • Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products
  • You should manage diabetes if you suffer from it

How To Brush Teeth Properly

You should brush your teeth thoroughly with a regular toothbrush, as follows:

  • Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums
  • Brush using short and circular strokes
  • Hold the brush like a pen, applying medium pressure to avoid pushing too hard
  • Brush both sides of the tooth
  • Brush for two minutes minimum, two times, and after eating sugary food

The Proper Way To Floss Your Teeth

You can floss your teeth thoroughly, as follows:

  • Use a floss of 18 inches
  • Keep the floss taut by winding it around a finger on each hand
  • Slide the floss between the teeth and along the gum line to form a C-shape
  • Unwind a piece of fresh floss as the process moves around the mouth

Find a Reputable Dentist Near Me

Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease. It occurs due to plaque buildup along the gum line. A common sign of gingivitis is bleeding or swollen gums and loose teeth. The earlier you seek treatment for gingivitis, the better. If you wait too long, gingivitis can become gum disease, which is more challenging to treat. You should contact a reputable dentist immediately after you notice the first symptoms of gingivitis. If you need a reliable dentist for gingivitis treatment in Carson, Los Angeles, Lomita, and Torrance, contact Washington Dental. Our experienced dentists will identify the early signs of gingivitis and create a proper treatment plan. Contact us at 310-217-1507 to speak to one of our dentists.