Gum Disease – Gingivitis : In simple words, gingivitis is defined as GUM INFLAMMATION. An early stage of gum disease if ignored can progress and cause more severe oral health diseases.
CAUSES
Gingivitis is caused by Bacteria that build up as plaque around the tooth surface if the oral cavity is not properly taken care of.
WHAT IS PLAQUE
Dental plaque is a sticky, biofilm of bacteria that develops around teeth and it happens to everyone. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease. This bacteria feeds off sugars left from food on teeth thus producing an acidic environment in the oral cavity. Acid attacks the tooth enamel and causes it to break down.
The only best way to deal with it is proper brushing and flossing twice a day with mouth rinsing after every meal, especially after the intake of sweet food.
SYMPTOMS
Healthy gums are pink in color and firm in texture while touching, brushing, massaging, and flossing. While unhealthy gums can show up any of the following symptoms –
1Red, swollen, and painful gums
2 .Painful while touching, talking, swallowing, and drinking water
3 Bleeding from gums
4 Sensitive teeth due to gum shrinkage
5 Bad breath (Halitosis)
If the symptoms are ignored Gingivitis can progress either into ANUG (Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis) or severe Periodontitis which can lead to Bone loss, and tooth loss too.
PREVENTION
Mild and early stages of gingivitis can be cured with simple precautions and techniques –
1. Scheduling visits to the dentist every 6 months for regular check-ups.
2 Professional cleaning from Dentist or Hygienist to remove tartar buildup around the tooth.
3. Learning the proper technique of Brushing, flossing.
4. Making the habit of brushing teeth twice a day.
5. Using natural Mouthwash at least once a day.
6. Limiting the amount of sticky, sweet, and acidic food and beverages.
7. Consuming a minimum of 2 liters of water per day.
8. Engaging with more fruits and vegetables in the diet.
9. Rinsing the mouth with normal water after every meal.
TREATMENT
In its early stage, it can be treated by routine dental checkups and Professional cleaning at the dental office if required –
1.Scaling at an early stage prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar formation around the tooth surface and prevents the progression of gum disease .
2.Quit smoking, too much alcohol intake, and Tobacco use in any form .
3.Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush .
Your Dentist would prescribe Medications in the form of Oral Antibiotics, Analgesics Topical antibiotics, or Xylocaine gel for infection and pain relief if required.
HOME REMEDIES
SALT WATER RINSES
It reduces bacterial multiplication, inflammation, pain, swelling, and bad breath .
Method – Take 1/2 teaspoonful of salt and mix it in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Swish for 30 seconds to 1 minute and spit. Repeat it 2- 3 times a day during the early stage of gingivitis and after Professional cleaning for 2-3 days.
MASSAGING THE GUMS
Massaging the gums regularly twice a day regulates blood flow and thus prevents swelling, pain, and bleeding from the gums
Method – Take the pea size of any toothpaste and massage the gums in a horizontal and circular motion slowly for 2-3 minutes. Spit and rinse with water. This home remedy maintains the texture of gums and prevents swelling and pain.
TOPICAL TREATMENT
Method – Mustard oil and turmeric
During pain or inflammation take a few drops of Mustard oil and mix turmeric (Curcumin has healing properties) Mix them and make a paste. Apply this on the inflamed area and gently massage the paste with your fingertips for around 2-3 minutes. Rinse the oral cavity with water. Repeat the process 3-4 times a day. It would help miraculously !!
Method – Clove application
Take a teaspoonful of clove with damp cotton and gently rub a small portion of it over the gums for half a minute. Repeat the process. Swish water and rinse the cavity .
Method – Oil pulling
One of the ancient dental techniques of Ayurveda is swishing oil in the oral cavity for 5-15 minutes (per your convenience)early in the morning before brushing and flossing to remove toxins, killing bacteria and improving dental health. Use Coconut oil as it adds extra benefits. Don’t skip brushing and flossing after Oil Pulling.
FINAL NOTE
Gingivitis is the most common gum disease which is reversible in the early stage of diagnosis. Moreover, prevention only requires maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene and regular visit to a Dentist for oral cavity checkups. If ignored it progresses to a more severe form of gum disease. So keep your Oral hygiene at bay and rock your Oral health status !!
Dr Jyotsana Anand Suri
Certified medical content writer
Email: jyotsana789@gmail.com
