Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Gingivitis

Gum disease; Periodontal disease

 

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums.

Causes

 

Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease . Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth. This can include the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets.

Gingivitis is due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that builds up on the exposed parts of the teeth. It is also a major cause of tooth decay .

If you do not remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar (or calculus) that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. Bacteria and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender.

These things raise your risk for gingivitis:

  • Certain infections and body-wide (systemic) diseases
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Pregnancy (hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the gums)
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Misaligned teeth , rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances (such as braces, dentures, bridges, and crowns)
  • Use of certain medicines, including phenytoin, bismuth, and some birth control pills

Many people have some amount of gingivitis. It often develops during puberty or early adulthood because of hormonal changes. It may last a long time or come back often, depending on the health of your teeth and gums.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Bleeding gums (blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the teeth)
  • Bright red or reddish-purple gums
  • Gums that are tender when touched, but otherwise painless
  • Mouth sores
  • Swollen gums
  • Shiny appearance to gums

 

Exams and Tests

 

Your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth and look for soft, swollen, reddish-purple gums.

The gums are most often painless or mildly tender when gingivitis is present.

Plaque and tartar may be seen at the base of the teeth.

Your dentist will use a probe to closely examine your gums to determine if you have gingivitis or periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious infection in the gums.

Most of the time, more tests are not needed. However, dental x-rays may be done to see if the disease has spread to the supporting structures of the teeth.

 

Treatment

 

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation.

Your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth. They may use different tools to loosen and remove deposits from your teeth.

Careful oral hygiene is necessary after professional teeth cleaning. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to brush and floss properly.

In addition to brushing and flossing at home, your dentist may recommend:

  • Having professional teeth cleaning twice a year, or more often for worse cases of gum disease
  • Using antibacterial mouth rinses or other aids
  • Getting misaligned teeth repaired
  • Replacing dental and orthodontic appliances
  • Having any other related illnesses or conditions treated

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Some people have discomfort when plaque and tartar are removed from their teeth. Bleeding and tenderness of the gums should lessen within 1 or 2 weeks after professional cleaning and with good oral care at home.

Warm salt water or antibacterial rinses can reduce gum swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines may also be helpful.

You must maintain good oral care throughout your life to keep gum disease from returning.

 

Possible Complications

 

These complications can occur:

  • Gingivitis returns
  • Periodontitis
  • Infection or abscess of the gums or the jaw bones
  • Trench mouth

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your dentist if you have red, swollen gums, especially if you have not had a routine cleaning and exam in the last 6 months.

 

Prevention

 

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gingivitis.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Floss at least once a day.

Your dentist may recommend brushing and flossing after every meal and at bedtime. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

Your dentist may suggest devices to help remove plaque deposits. These include special toothpicks, toothbrushes, water irrigation, or other devices. You still must brush and floss your teeth regularly.

Antiplaque or antitartar toothpastes or mouth rinses may also be recommended.

Many dentists recommend having teeth professionally cleaned at least every 6 months. You may not be able to remove all the plaque, even with careful brushing and flossing at home.

 

 

References

Amsterdam JT. Oral medicine. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 70.

Chow AW. Infections of the oral cavity, neck, and head. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 65.

Kawar N, Gajendrareddy PK, Hart TC, Nouneh R, Maniar N, Alrayyes S. Periodontal disease for the primary care physician. Dis Mon . 2011;57(4):174-183. PMID: 21569880 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21569880 .

 
  • Tooth anatomy - illustration

    The structure of the tooth includes dentin, pulp and other tissues, blood vessels and nerves imbedded in the bony jaw. Above the gum line, the tooth is protected by the hard enamel covering.

    Tooth anatomy

    illustration

  • Gingivitis - illustration

    Inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. Bacteria in plaque around the teeth release enzymes (collagenases) that can damage and erode the gum tissues. The infected gums swell, bleed easily, recede, and loosen from the teeth. Tooth loss is caused more frequently by gum disease than tooth decay.

    Gingivitis

    illustration

  • Gingivitis - illustration

    Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque and bacteria accumulation.

    Gingivitis

    illustration

    • Tooth anatomy - illustration

      The structure of the tooth includes dentin, pulp and other tissues, blood vessels and nerves imbedded in the bony jaw. Above the gum line, the tooth is protected by the hard enamel covering.

      Tooth anatomy

      illustration

    • Gingivitis - illustration

      Inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. Bacteria in plaque around the teeth release enzymes (collagenases) that can damage and erode the gum tissues. The infected gums swell, bleed easily, recede, and loosen from the teeth. Tooth loss is caused more frequently by gum disease than tooth decay.

      Gingivitis

      illustration

    • Gingivitis - illustration

      Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque and bacteria accumulation.

      Gingivitis

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Tests for Gingivitis

     

       

      Review Date: 2/22/2016

      Reviewed By: Michael Kapner, DDS, general and aesthetic dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

      The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

       
       
       

       

       

      A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



      Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.