Causes of gingivitis

The causes of gingivitis can be many and varied, but in most cases, similar to caries, it is caused by bacterial plaque and thus by a lack of oral hygiene. The term plaque refers to a tough bio-film, which consists of waste products of the bacterial metabolism on the one hand and food deposits on the other. Plaque that sticks to the surface of the teeth can in many cases even reach under the gum line.

In the depth it settles on and around the tooth root and causes deep gum pockets in the course of this. The plaque leads to severe inflammatory processes within these gum pockets. In the course of this, the characteristic bleeding of the gums occurs.

Gingivitis is a pure (isolated) inflammation of the gums without the involvement of other structures of the periodontium. In most cases, however, gingivitis cannot be completely separated from an inflammatory disease of the periodontium known as periodontitis (incorrectly known as periodontosis). The reason for this fact is that gingivitis usually leads to inflammation of the periodontium if suitable treatment measures are not taken.

Inflammations in the area of the gums are generally quickly recognized. The gums quickly lose their rosy, light color in the affected areas and become increasingly darker. Even today, lack of or inadequate oral hygiene is still considered the main cause of gingivitis.

However, it has been known for some time that a number of other factors also promote inflammatory processes in the area of the gums and the periodontium. In addition to the lack of oral hygiene, there are factors that promote a possible disease and thus promote the causes of gingivitis. These risk factors include It has been proven that patients suffering from diabetes also have a much higher risk of gingivitis.

Approximately one in two develops gingivitis at least once in their lifetime. Even long-term stress on the organism can promote the development of inflammatory processes within the oral cavity. This is related to the stress-induced inhibition of immune cell formation and its function.

In the majority of those affected, this can even lead to inflammation of the periodontium with involvement of the jaw bone (periodontitis). Today, it is even assumed that a genetic predisposition also plays a certain role.

Tobacco consumption
Increased mouth breathing
Untreated carious teeth
Life partners with inflammatory processes within the oral cavity
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and a general weakness of the immune system (immune deficiency).