Synonyms
Gingivitis, Ultis.
Introduction
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums (lat. gingiva). It can be divided into different degrees of severity and can be chronic or acute. If left untreated, it often leads to an inflammation of the periodontal apparatus, periodontitis.
Causes – An overview
Gingivitis can be caused by the following:
- Lack of oral hygiene (plaque sticks to the teeth)
- Tartar
- Wrong tooth brushing technique (too much pressure)
- Wrong toothbrush (too hard bristles)
- Tobacco consumption
- Increased mouth breathing
- Untreated carious teeth
- Life partners with inflammatory processes within the oral cavity
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- General immune deficiency (immunodeficiency)
- Diabetes (Diabetes)
- Genetic factors
Causes in detail
The causes of gingivitis can be many and varied. In most cases, however, it is caused by bacterial plaque that remains on the tooth surface for a long time. A lack of oral hygiene or simply incorrect oral hygiene is the main cause.
Plaque is a tough bio-film, which consists of food residues as well as waste products of bacterial metabolism and bacteria. The development of a harmful bacterial flora can also be promoted by unhealthy breathing techniques, such as oral respiration. Since the tooth surface is not completely flat even with healthy enamel, plaque can easily adhere.
If plaque deposits are removed irregularly, they can even penetrate to below the gumline. Over time, these deposits settle deep around the root of the tooth and over a relatively short period of time cause deep gum pockets. The result is usually the development of severe inflammatory processes that cause enormous damage to the gums.
Most patients notice small bleedings in the area of the gums at an early stage of the disease. However, it has long been established that a number of other factors can also be responsible for the development of inflammatory processes in the area of the gums and the periodontium. These risk factors include It is estimated that one in three patients over the age of about 40 suffers from inflammatory processes in the gum area.
However, most of those affected do not have gingivitis (general inflammation of the gums) spread over the entire gums. In the majority of the cases observed, only isolated areas are affected. Particularly at risk are those areas that are difficult to access for dental care (bridges, crowns, interdental spaces, interlocking teeth).
However, it has been known for a long time that a number of other factors can also be responsible for the development of inflammatory processes in the area of the gums and the periodontium. These risk factors include: It is estimated that one in three patients over the age of about 40 suffers from inflammatory processes in the gum area. However, most of those affected do not have gingivitis (general inflammation of the gums) spread over the entire gums.
In the majority of the cases observed, only isolated areas are affected. Particularly at risk are those areas that are difficult to access for dental care (bridges, crowns, interdental spaces, interlocking teeth). Gingivitis is so widespread, especially in Europe, that it can be assumed that every second person will develop gingivitis at least once in their life.
Apart from the reasons already mentioned, it seems that prolonged stress on the organism promotes the development of inflammatory processes of the gums. In many of those affected, this not only leads to gingivitis but also to inflammation of the periodontium with involvement of the jawbone (periodontitis). For a long time, the connection between stress, a psychological phenomenon, and caries or gingivitis was not considered proven.
However, modern studies indicate that people with a lot of stress are affected by these diseases much more often. Causes for this can be, for example, neglected oral hygiene due to lack of time.In addition, during stress messenger substances are released which attack the immune system. As there are not enough antibodies available, diseases can spread faster.
During pregnancy the risk of gingivitis is significantly increased. The reason for this is the hormonal change with increased oestrogen levels in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In addition to bleeding gums, gum growths also occur.
These are mainly found in the area of the toothed jaw, i.e. where teeth are still present. These tumors can be easily injured by crumbly food, for example, and then become inflamed, causing severe pain. Furthermore, these growths form pockets to the adjacent teeth.
These are so-called “pseudo-pockets”, because they disappear after the disease has subsided. Nevertheless, this type of pocket is in danger of accumulating plaque and caries. Therefore, oral hygiene plays an important role for pregnant women.
To avoid bad breath and caries, the teeth should be cleaned properly every day. If the pain is too severe, a doctor must be consulted to combat the disease. Although this is a special form of gingivitis, it can also be followed by a disease of the periodontium (periodontosis) without treatment.
As a rule, the gums calm down again after pregnancy with the normalizing hormone balance. This might also be of interest to you: Gum bleeding during pregnancyIn studies it has been proven that smoking increases the risk of developing periodontitis. In addition, smoking suppresses important warning signals.
Constant contact with nicotine-containing smoke constricts the blood vessels in the gums. This suppresses the symptom of bleeding gums, which often occurs in gingivitis. The actually sick smoker is therefore apparently healthy, as an important symptom is eliminated.
The smoke disturbs the healing of wounds, so that the regeneration reactions of the immune system are greatly slowed down. In addition, the risk of developing a malignant tumor of the oral mucosa is greatly increased in smokers. Smokers should therefore maintain good oral hygiene and take advantage of regular preventive medical check-ups in order to detect gingivitis or periodontosis in good time.
Several studies have proven that a vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of periodontitis. Vitamin D is a vitamin that is formed in the body with the help of solar radiation, i.e. it is only available in sufficient quantities if you spend a certain amount of time in sunlight or if you take it from outside (via tablets or similar). It is responsible for strengthening bones and regulating cell growth.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to gingivitis, which is particularly associated with bleeding gums. Without treatment, pocket formation occurs rapidly. It is precisely here and in the sore areas that bacteria can settle and then begin to attack the bone. Periodontitis develops, which leads to tooth loss without treatment.