Gums
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Gum Disease
(Gingivitis)
Gums are medically knows as gingiva. Gums are the primary supporting structures of the teeth. Gums hold the teeth in position and provide them protection. The gingiva is strongly attached to the bone of the jaws to provide strength and stability for the teeth.
Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, affects a large number of people. Plaque accumulation is the leading cause of gingivitis. Caring for the gums is a significant component of oral hygiene care. Poor oral hygiene is a prominent trigger for plaque accumulation which leads to gingivitis. Other factors are also responsible for gum disease. Genetics as well as lifestyle habits also attribute to oral diseases. Biofilm pathogens proliferate more in some people’s mouths based on the consistency of saliva, use of medication and various other factors. One lifestyle factor is tobacco. Tobacco is a well-documented cause of gingivitis. People who frequently use tobacco run the risk of causing lasting damage to their gums. Ingredients in tobacco cause inflammation in the gums and a receding gingival line. Another lifestyle factor is diet. A diet rich in sticky, sweet and acidic foods promotes oral disease. Furthermore, nutritional deficiencies can worsen the condition of oral infections. Receding gums are a serious symptom of gingivitis. Gingivitis leads to receding gum lines and eventual tooth loss.
Gingivitis begins with the growth of bacteria on the teeth and the gums. Trapped food particles can promote the growth of bacteria inside the mouth. These pathogens stick to the surface of the teeth and gums eventually leading to the formation of plaque and calculus. The inflammation from gingivitis leads to bleeding from the gums, thus weakening the gingiva. The presence of pus on the gums is called pyorrhea. Aside from poor dental hygiene, pyorrhea can also be caused by genetic disorders and vitamin deficiency.
Gums are susceptible to pathogenic activity. Any dental problem, if kept untreated for a long period of time affects the gums causes gingivitis and a cascade of other dental issues. When gingivitis goes untreated, periodontitis often develops and is a much more serious infection that affects the jaw bones. Improving lifestyle habits, practicing good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing and use of antibacterial mouthwash twice daily), and good nutrition can help alleviate gingivitis. Talk to your dentist if you have further concerns about your oral health.
References:
1. http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/E_Plaque.pdf
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002051/
3. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease
4. www.mayoclinic.com/health/gingivitis/DS00363
Gums are medically knows as gingiva. Gums are the primary supporting structures of the teeth. Gums hold the teeth in position and provide them protection. The gingiva is strongly attached to the bone of the jaws to provide strength and stability for the teeth.
Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, affects a large number of people. Plaque accumulation is the leading cause of gingivitis. Caring for the gums is a significant component of oral hygiene care. Poor oral hygiene is a prominent trigger for plaque accumulation which leads to gingivitis. Other factors are also responsible for gum disease. Genetics as well as lifestyle habits also attribute to oral diseases. Biofilm pathogens proliferate more in some people’s mouths based on the consistency of saliva, use of medication and various other factors. One lifestyle factor is tobacco. Tobacco is a well-documented cause of gingivitis. People who frequently use tobacco run the risk of causing lasting damage to their gums. Ingredients in tobacco cause inflammation in the gums and a receding gingival line. Another lifestyle factor is diet. A diet rich in sticky, sweet and acidic foods promotes oral disease. Furthermore, nutritional deficiencies can worsen the condition of oral infections. Receding gums are a serious symptom of gingivitis. Gingivitis leads to receding gum lines and eventual tooth loss.
Gingivitis begins with the growth of bacteria on the teeth and the gums. Trapped food particles can promote the growth of bacteria inside the mouth. These pathogens stick to the surface of the teeth and gums eventually leading to the formation of plaque and calculus. The inflammation from gingivitis leads to bleeding from the gums, thus weakening the gingiva. The presence of pus on the gums is called pyorrhea. Aside from poor dental hygiene, pyorrhea can also be caused by genetic disorders and vitamin deficiency.
Gums are susceptible to pathogenic activity. Any dental problem, if kept untreated for a long period of time affects the gums causes gingivitis and a cascade of other dental issues. When gingivitis goes untreated, periodontitis often develops and is a much more serious infection that affects the jaw bones. Improving lifestyle habits, practicing good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing and use of antibacterial mouthwash twice daily), and good nutrition can help alleviate gingivitis. Talk to your dentist if you have further concerns about your oral health.
References:
1. http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/E_Plaque.pdf
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002051/
3. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease
4. www.mayoclinic.com/health/gingivitis/DS00363
