Dental and oral health is one of the things that must be paid attention to. Several diseases and disorders around the teeth and mouth are sometimes caused by our own negligence in maintaining healthy teeth and mouth, one of which is gingivitis. Gum disease or Gingivitis is inflammation that attacks the gums caused by microorganisms contained in dental biofilm. This condition is usually caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar. Plaque is formed from bacteria and food debris that sticks to the surface of the teeth. If plaque is not removed regularly, it can harden and form tartar. What needs to be noted is that gingivitis is still a condition that can be reversed or restored to normal if the tartar has been cleaned properly.
Often, people with Gingivitis do not experience significant symptoms or discomfort, so they may not be aware of the problem. Unfortunately, in more advanced stages, known as periodontitis, this condition can cause permanent damage to the bone supporting the teeth and is irreversible. Therefore, it is very important to care for and maintain the cleanliness of your teeth and gums regularly to prevent the development of gingivitis into a more serious problem.
What are the symptoms of Gingivitis?
- Red and Swollen Gums : Gums affected by gingivitis often appear red and swollen.
- Bleeding Gums : Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing are a common sign of gingivitis.
- Gum Pain or Sensitivity : Some people with gingivitis experience pain or sensitivity in their gums.
- Gums that Bleed Easily : Gums that tend to bleed easily, even from light pressure, is a common symptom.
- Plaque Formation : Plaque buildup on the teeth is the main cause of gingivitis, and plaque can be seen on the teeth as a white or yellow coating.
- Bad breath : Gingivitis can also cause bad breath due to infection of the gums.
- Receding Gums : Gums that begin to recede or separate from the teeth are a more serious sign and may indicate progression to periodontitis.
- Gum Abscess Formation : In more severe cases, a gum abscess (pus-filled sac) may form.
How is Gingivitis treated?
Gingivitis treatment aims to reduce gum inflammation, clean plaque and tartar, and prevent possible complications. Following are some steps that are usually taken in the treatment of Gingivitis:
1. Professional Teeth Cleaning
The dentist or dental hygienist will perform a professional teeth cleaning, which involves using special instruments to remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar. This procedure is called scaling and root planing .
2. Dental Hygiene Education
The dentist will provide education about how to brush your teeth and use dental floss correctly. This is important to prevent plaque buildup that causes Gingivitis.
3. Gum Care
In some cases, dentists may prescribe mouthwash or other topical medications to help control gum inflammation.
4. Routine inspections
The dentist will recommend a regular check-up schedule to monitor the progress of your gum condition.
5. Lifestyle Changes
It's important to adopt healthy habits, such as quitting smoking if you smoke, reducing alcohol consumption, and eating a healthy diet.
6. Stress Management
Stress can affect gum health. Good stress management can help in the treatment of Gingivitis.
7. Treatment of Related Diseases
If gingivitis is related to a certain disease such as diabetes, treatment of that disease will also be recommended.
8. Follow-up Consultation
If Gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis (a more serious stage), additional treatment such as deeper cleaning, surgery, or laser therapy may be necessary.
It is important to follow your dentist's instructions carefully and undergo treatment according to their recommendations. In addition, maintaining regular hygiene of your teeth and gums by brushing your teeth twice a day and using dental floss can help prevent recurrence of Gingivitis. If you experience symptoms of gingivitis such as bleeding or swollen gums, immediately contact EMC Hospital for proper examination and treatment with our dentists who are experienced in their field. With us, you can consult about your dental and oral health problems and diagnose them to get the right treatment.
Article written by drg. Nurasi (Dentist at EMC Hospital Cikarang).