Keeping your gums healthy
The most common type of gum disease is inflammation of the gums called gingivitis which most often results from a poor oral hygiene manifesting as accumulation of plaque and calculus (tartar) on the surfaces of the teeth and along its gum line. Plaque is made up of small particles of food, germs and mucus which […]
The most common type of gum disease is inflammation of the gums called gingivitis which most often results from a poor oral hygiene manifesting as accumulation of plaque and calculus (tartar) on the surfaces of the teeth and along its gum line. Plaque is made up of small particles of food, germs and mucus which if left for more than three days hardens and turns into tartar.
Gingivitis is a mild, common disease and easily treatable, but could progress into a more severe type of gum disease called periodontitis (this causes the teeth to become shaky and fall off) if left untreated.
Research has directly linked gingivitis to some heart conditions.
Causes of gingivitis
As earlier mentioned, the primary cause is poor oral hygiene but other causes which could be attributed to the disease include;
-Poor nutrition especially deficiencies in vitamins B3(Pellagra) and C(Scurvy).
-Viral and fungal infections e.g herpes.
-Hormonal changes, especially in women during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
-Prescription drugs e.g Cyclosporine (used to treat rheumatoid arthritis), Nifedipine (used to treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions) and Phenytoin (used to control epilepsy).
-Other health problems like diabetes, AIDS, leukaemia.
-Smoking and alcohol are also predisposing factors.
Symptoms
The gums are often red, swollen, and painful and bleed easily. Persistent bad breath is also something to watch out for.
How can it be treated?
The first step of treatment for plaque induced gingivitis is “scaling”, which means cleaning all the plaque and tartar of the teeth and gums. This process can be done by your dentist – though usually a painless procedure, it can cause some amount of uneasiness if there is an excessive accumulation of plaque. It is necessary to follow a good oral hygiene routine after a professional cleaning to prevent further appearance of plaque.
Prevention
Following these basic rules will prevent this problem:
• While buying toothpaste, ensure that it contains fluoride.
• Ideally, brushing must be done after every meal. However, if this becomes difficult, make sure that you brush at least twice a day.
• It is also important that you brush correctly. Choose the shape and the size of the brush that will help to clean even the innermost areas of the cheek and tongue.
• Change your brush after every three months however new it looks.
• Try using floss as in most cases; toothbrush cannot do the full cleaning.
•Eat foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals like fresh fruits and vegetables.
•Ensure all medicines are duly prescribed by a doctor and administered by a pharmacist. Also take time out to read the instructions on the leaflets or packs of these drugs or chemicals.
• Most importantly, visit your dentist regularly.
Dr Adio works with Reagal Dental Clinic, Abuja.