Gingivitis - an inflammation of the gum tissue, characterized by the multiplication of bacteria on the mucous membrane. Most often it affects children and adolescents.
It is customary to distinguish between these forms of gingivitis:
- catarrhal;
- acute catarrhal;
- chronic hypertrophic;
- ulcerative necrotic;
- atrophic.
Symptoms of gingivitis
Catarrhal gingivitis:
- itching and tingling in the gums;
- bad breath;
- loss of taste sensitivity;
- bleeding gums;
- pain when chewing;
- general weakness;
- increased body temperature;
- staining saliva in pink.
Acute catarrhal gingivitis:
- redness of the gums near the teeth;
- soft plaque, which is sometimes colored pink or green;
- swelling of the gums;
- small erosion of mucous tissues;
- bleeding;
- thickening of the gums.
Acute catarrhal gingivitis and its symptoms occur, mainly, in children during teething or their age-related changes.
Chronic hypertrophic gingivitis:
- proliferation of gums;
- increase in size and swelling of the gingival papillae;
- itching;
- bleeding;
- pain during eating and brushing;
- a sharp unpleasant odor from the mouth;
- formation of gingival pockets with purulent contents;
- soft coating with pigmentation.
Ulcerative necrotizing gingivitis:
- pain and itching in the gums;
- swelling of the mucous tissues near the teeth;
- blueing of the gingival margins;
- bleeding gums;
- dark green or gray coating on the gums and tongue;
- the viscosity of saliva;
- putrid odor from the mouth;
- lack of appetite.
Atrophic gingivitis:
- atrophy of the gingival tissues;
- exposure of the neck of the tooth;
- sealing the edges of the gums;
- slight change in the color of the gums to a darker color.
Causes of gingivitis
The causes of gingivitis can be:
- Teething and changing teeth in children.
- Chronic diseases of the endocrine system.
- Immunity disorders.
- Complicated infectious diseases.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Presence of tumor formations in the body.
- Hormonal disorders.
- Inadequate or improper hygiene of the oral cavity.
- Formation of tartar.
- Violations of the integrity of the tooth.
- Injuries of the jaw.
- Lack of vitamins B and C.
- Alcoholism.
- Smoking.
- Deficiency of fluid in the body.
- Lack of calcium in the diet.
Treatment of gingivitis
Antibiotics for gingivitis are the main means of stopping the inflammatory process and the destruction of pathogenic bacteria. They perform the following functions in the treatment program:
- reduction of pain syndrome;
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- antibacterial effect;
- antiseptic effect;
- prevention of recurrence of the disease.
Folk remedies for gingivitis
Our grandmothers would advise us to save ourselves from gingivitis by the following methods:
1. Rinse your mouth with a warm baking soda solution.
2. In the morning and evening lubricate the site of inflammation with natural honey.
3. Treat the oral cavity with tincture of propolis.
4. Rinse mouth with herbal decoction:
- chamomile;
- St. John's wort;
- sage;
- eucalyptus;
- walnut leaves;
- flowers of calendula;
- scumpia;
- Golden mustache;
- bloodroot.
5. To use for rinsing fresh juice of raw potatoes.
6. Daily use of blackberry fruit.
7. Rinse the mouth with kefir and strong black tea.
Prevention of gingivitis
In order not to become a victim of this disease, one should adhere to such
- visit the dentist at least once a year (preferably once every six months);
- daily brushing your teeth in the morning and evening;
- massage the gums with a soft brush;
- every day after brushing teeth use floss;
- clean the surface of the tongue from plaque;
- follow the rules of a balanced and healthy diet;
- regularly take vitamins (courses);
- strengthen the immune system;
- Eliminate bad habits of lifestyle.