Causes of Gingivitis

Also called periodontal disease, gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, bleeding, and irritation of the gingiva (part of the gum around the teeth). Most adults suffer from this condition, and it’s important to treat it promptly because, if untreated, it can lead to a more severe form of gum disease and bone loss. Read on to learn about what causes gingivitis.

What Causes Gingivitis?

1. Common Cause

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral health care which allows plague to form on teeth causing swelling of the surrounding gum tissues. Plague is a sticky film that has no colour and is mainly made up of bacteria that form on your teeth after eating starches and sugars in food. Plague need to be removed daily as it forms quickly. If not removed, then it can harden into tartar, also known as calculus. And to remove this, you need a professional dental cleaning.

The longer the plague and tartar remains on your teeth, the more they will cause inflammation, leading to gingivitis. Some of the best oral practices to prevent gingivitis are regularly brushing your teeth, flossing, visiting for dental check-ups, and rinsing the mouth with a suitable mouthwash.

2. Other Causes includes

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes occur during puberty, menopause, menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. Gums become sensitive during these changes, elevating the risk of inflammation and gingivitis.

• Unhealthy foods: Eating too much sugary foods, acidic foods and starchy foods like white bread can harm your gums, cause inflammation, and lead to gingivitis. These foods also contribute to the formation of plaque between your teeth. Cutting back on them might help prevent gum problems and plaque build-up.

• Underlying Diseases: Illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and HIV remain linked with a higher risk of developing gingivitis.

• Crooked Teeth: Crooked teeth make it hard for the toothbrush to clean in-between spaces, allowing bacteria and plaque to accumulate. Over time, this plaque build-up can lead to gingivitis.

• Medications: Drugs that reduce the production of saliva can impact oral health. For instance, epilepsy medications and medicines prescribed to treat angina may cause abnormal gum tissue growth, increasing inflammation risk.

• Vitamin Deficiencies: There are strong links between gingivitis and deficiencies in vitamin C (scurvy), vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Hence, it is crucial to intake foods rich in vitamin C for stronger gums.

• Smoking or Tobacco: Smoking weakens the immune system and releases toxins in the mouth that weaken gums, making it challenging to fight off gum infection, hindering healing, and increasing the risk of gum diseases, bad breath, and gingivitis.

• Age Factor: Risk of gingivitis increases with age.

• Family History: There is a higher risk for those with a parent or parents who had gingivitis.

What If left Untreated?

• The prolonged presence of plaque and tartar irritates the gingivae (i.e., gums around the base of the teeth). This will lead to swelling, bleeding, and irritation around the gums.

• If left untreated, gingivitis can also progress to tooth decay, periodontitis, and eventual tooth loss.