Synonyms
Gingivitis
Introduction
The term “gingivitis” is used in dentistry to describe an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis has to be distinguished from periodontitis, the spread of inflammatory processes within the periodontium, in purely technical terms. Nevertheless, there is a causal connection between gingivitis and periodontitis (incorrectly known as periodontosis), because in many cases an untreated gingivitis is followed sooner or later by an inflammation of the periodontium.
Gingivitis is generally triggered by a lack of oral hygiene or by poor oral hygiene. Bacteria and/or other pathogens living in the mouth enter the gums via the smallest gaps between the tooth and the gums and trigger inflammatory processes there by secreting their metabolic end products. As a result, the organism reacts by releasing special inflammatory factors and increasing the tissue blood flow.
Initially, deep gum pockets are formed in the course of this process. For this reason, preventive therapy (prophylaxis) is mainly about learning suitable tooth cleaning techniques. The targeted care of the interdental spaces and the marginal areas between the tooth substance and the gums is in the foreground.
Meanwhile it is assumed that ineffective oral hygiene is the main cause for the development of most dental (retaining apparatus) diseases, but other factors also play a major role. These factors include a genetic predisposition (this has been observed in extensive studies), frequent mouth breathing, nicotine and alcohol consumption. Gingivitis is one of the most common diseases.
It is estimated that every third patient over the age of 40 suffers from inflammation of the gums. However, most of those affected are not suffering from general gingivitis. Usually isolated areas within the oral cavity are affected.
These areas are usually districts that are difficult to access for dental care. (Bridges, crowns, constrictions, nested teeth). A pronounced malposition of the teeth increases the risk of developing gingivitis enormously. In addition, if bridged and/or crowned teeth are present, regular dental check-ups should be carried out as a matter of urgency, as it is precisely the marginal areas of the tooth replacement that provide an ideal attachment position for bacteria.
