One of the most sensitive areas in the oral cavity is the gums. They are constantly exposed to infections and mechanical damage. Many people ignore gum inflammation, failing to seek help from dentists or undergo necessary treatment.
Symptoms of Gum Inflammation
Unfortunately, many patients seek help only when the cervical part of the tooth is already exposed and an unpleasant (foul) odor appears in the mouth. This could have been avoided if attention had been paid to other signs of inflammation:
- Redness in the mouth;
- Bleeding gums;
- Painful chewing;
- Gum itching – a desire to scratch when eating;
- Swelling of the gum margin and interdental papillae;
- Facial swelling.
These symptoms should not be ignored. Gum inflammation can lead to serious consequences, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, potentially resulting in tooth loss.
Causes of Gum Inflammation
The main cause of gingivitis and other gum diseases is poor and irregular oral hygiene. This leads to plaque buildup on the teeth, creating conditions for an inflammatory reaction.
However, this is not the only reason for gingivitis and other oral problems. Other causes of gum inflammation include:
- Poor-quality dental treatment;
- Allergies;
- Reduced or weakened immunity;
- Gastrointestinal issues;
- Plaque accumulation and tartar formation;
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy;
- Vitamin deficiencies (B, C, A, and E), making gums fragile and easily injured;
- Long-term use of antibiotics, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications;
- Consequences of chemotherapy;
- Thyroid dysfunction;
- Harmful habits: smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Only a specialist – a dentist – can determine the cause of gum inflammation. Based on the diagnosis, appropriate treatment will be prescribed. Understanding the underlying causes can help prevent recurrence.
How to Reduce Gum Inflammation
Treatment is selected individually, depending on the diagnosed conditions and problems. Dentists take a comprehensive approach. To address gum inflammation, the following procedures may be recommended:
- Professional oral hygiene – superficial cleaning of plaque and hardened deposits;
- Vector treatment – a modern method for treating gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum diseases. This device can reach periodontal pockets up to 11 mm deep, remove supragingival and subgingival tartar, and clean damaged gum tissue;
- Surgical intervention – if the patient has purulent gum inflammation, surgery may be required to drain pus. Afterward, the dentist prescribes a course of medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and rinses.
Gum inflammation is a serious problem. Do not ignore it, as it may lead to a prolonged treatment process. At the first signs of discomfort, consult a dentist, who will determine the optimal course of treatment.
