Gingivitis

How do you recognize
gingivitis?

Any bleeding gums while brushing or flossing your teeth indicates that the gums are inflamed. Bleeding is accompanied by swelling, changed gum color and bad breath, and possibly pain. Healthy gums are pink, firm to the touch, and do not bleed.

Overgrowth of bacteria causes the inflammatory process called gingivitis. The gums are irritated by the plaque or plaque and turn dark red, swell and gradually recede from the tooth. A gum pocket develops in which more and more bacteria can accumulate. This process can be stopped and the gums heal completely, but immediate action is of the utmost importance.

Causes for gingivitis

One of the main causes of gingivitis, or gingivitis, is poor dental hygiene, but it can also be caused by stress, smoking, vitamin deficiencies, some diseases, and heredity. Pregnant women also often have problems with gingivitis, known as pregnancy gingivitis, due to hormonal changes. This can occur in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

An untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis

If you overlook the early signs of gingivitis or if you don't pay enough attention to it, untreated inflammation can gradually progress into periodontitis (also known colloquially as gum disease).

Because bacteria attack the gums, the periodontal pockets become deeper and offer more space for more and more bacteria. The dental plaque becomes harder and harder and changes into tartar, on which even more plaque accumulates and the gums recede even more from the tooth. The bacteria also cause bad breath.