Definition

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingival tissue or often called gums. This condition is most often caused by bacterial infections characterized by bleeding gums, swelling and pain. Poor oral hygiene is the main risk factor for gingivitis. Gingivitis that is not immediately treated can cause a more serious condition, namely developing into inflammation of the tissues around the gums such as teeth and bones, or often called periodontitis.

Cause

Here are some things that cause gingivitis:

• Dental plaque buildup

The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of food debris that forms plaque and forms dental caries. The dental plaque that is formed can become a place for bacteria to multiply and if ignored will cause tooth and gum damage.

• Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes can occur during puberty, menopause, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy. The gingiva may become more sensitive, increasing the risk of inflammation.

• Medical history

Diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV are associated with a higher risk of gingivitis. Related disease conditions usually cause a decrease in the immune system, so they are at risk of increasing the likelihood of infection and inflammation.

• Medicines

Oral health can be affected by some medications, generally the side effects of these drugs are to reduce saliva production. Some drugs such as dilantin, anticonvulsants, and some anti-angina drugs can also cause abnormal gum tissue growth.

• Smoking habits

Smokers are more likely to experience gum inflammation than people who do not smoke. Free radicals from the tar in cigarettes increase inflammation in the mouth, which can damage tissues in the mouth.

• Age

The risk of a person getting gum disease is reported to increase with age.

• Poor eating habits

Vitamin C deficiency is often associated as one of the factors that can cause gum disease.

Risk Factors

There are several factors that can increase the risk of gingivitis, namely:

1. Not maintaining dental and oral health, such as being lazy to brush teeth and never having a routine dental check-up with a dentist.
2. Have a habit of smoking
3. Taking certain medications, such as birth control pills, steroids, anticonvulsants (seizure medications), chemotherapy, blood thinners, and calcium channel blocker can increase the risk of gingivitis
4. The condition of the immune system is impaired as in HIV-AIDS and diabetes
5. Nutritional deficiencies (Vitamin C) are more prone to dental and oral problems, including gingivitis.
6. Dry mouth can affect gum health. Reduced saliva production will make the gums more prone to inflammation and swelling
7. Having bad habits, such as biting hard objects
8. History of diseases such as leukemia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, and agranulocytosis
9. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can increase blood circulation to the gums so that the gums are more prone to inflammation, swelling, and bleeding.

Symptoms

Gingivitis is rarely realized by sufferers because the symptoms are not very clear. However, gum inflammation can trigger symptoms such as swollen and painful gums, gums that are reddish, even bleeding gums. Further symptoms are usually accompanied by bad breath, easy teeth and thinning of the gums.

Diagnosis

Gingivitis can be diagnosed through a dental examination. The doctor will examine the gums to determine if there is inflammation or not while asking for a complete health history. The doctor also measures the depth of the periodontal pocket. The depth of the periodontal pocket should be 1-3 millimeters (mm).

Procedure

Treatment should be done immediately to relieve symptoms and prevent complications, namely the worsening of tooth and gum tissue damage. The first treatment that can be done is to clean the teeth, especially the plaque that has formed, giving antibiotics and surgical procedures if necessary. The formation of dental plaque should be prevented by a mouth hygiene protocol that is carried out independently by the patient, such as brushing teeth with the right technique. However, if cleaning plaque independently is not enough or there are already calculus deposits in the oral cavity, then cleaning with treatments such as scaling and root planning.

Several medications can be used to treat gingivitis:

• Antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can be used for oral disinfection.
• Oral antibiotics may be used to treat persistent areas of gum inflammation. 

Complications

Gingivitis that is not properly treated can lead to more serious conditions, such as periodontitis. The infection can spread to the soft tissues around the gums and the teeth's supporting bone. If it gets worse, the infection can also spread and affect other organs, such as the heart and lungs. This is caused by the bacteria that cause periodontitis to enter the bloodstream through the gum tissue.

Prevention

Prevention of gingivitis can be done especially by maintaining oral and dental hygiene. The following are some easy steps you can do every day.

• Brush your teeth regularly

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with the right tooth brushing technique. Make a circular motion from top to bottom on each side for 20 seconds. In addition, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small-tipped head so that it can reach the deepest parts of the mouth. Also choose toothpaste that contains fluoride. The mineral content in this toothpaste is effective for strengthening and protecting your teeth from damage.

• Using dental flossing (tooth thread)

Cleaning teeth using floss alias flossing helps remove food debris stuck between the teeth and under the gum line. If you regularly brush your teeth and flossing, the condition of the gums will remain healthy and avoid various dental and oral problems.

• Avoid smoking.

Cigarettes are the biggest risk factor for gingivitis and gum disease. Therefore, starting now you should try to quit smoking. In addition to preventing gingivitis or gum inflammation, quitting smoking also helps improve your overall body health.

• Consume healthy and nutritious food

Getting the right nutrients from the food you eat helps your immune system work more effectively against the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Consume healthy foods for teeth and mouth, such as vegetables and fruits that contain vitamins C and E. These two vitamins also help repair damaged body tissues.

• Avoid stress.

Stress can also affect your dental and oral health. If stress strikes, the immune system will be more difficult to fight against the bacteria that cause infections. Stress management and implementing a healthy lifestyle are the most effective ways to deal with the stress you are experiencing.

• Check up with the dentist regularly.

Regular dental checkups can make it easier for doctors to monitor your oral and dental health. Doctors can immediately perform treatments and find problems. You should check with your dentist regularly every 6-12 months. However, if you are more prone to gingivitis, your doctor can schedule more frequent examinations.

When should I go to the dentist?

To prevent gingivitis and its complications, it is recommended to have a regular check-up with a dentist every 6 months. If you have a problem with your teeth and mouth, you should immediately have a check-up to prevent the risk of complications.

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