Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It is the initial stage of periodontal disease and therefore the easiest to treat, but which, if left untreated, can progress and cause more serious complications.

What causes gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease, which consists of inflammation and infection that causes changes in the tissues that support the teeth, such as the gums, ligaments and alveolar bone – the bone tissue that surrounds the roots of the teeth.
Gingivitis is sometimes the result of the long-term effects of plaque buildup – although the disease can be noticed much earlier too. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor or misguided hygiene. Plaque, or biofilm in medical terms, is a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus and food residue that develops on the exposed part of the teeth. It's also the biggest cause of tooth decay.
If plaque isn't removed, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that gets stuck in the tooth. Bacteria and toxins produced by plaque and tartar irritate the gums and make them swollen and tender.
Damage to the gums can result from a number of causes. Even excessive brushing or vigorous flossing can cause gingivitis. In addition, hormonal changes can also increase the risk of developing this inflammation, as they make the gums more sensitive. Gingivitis is most common in teenagers in early puberty, young people in early adulthood, and in pregnant women.
Misaligned teeth, rough filling tips, or poorly fitted or poorly cleaned appliances, such as braces and dentures, can irritate the gums and increase the risk of inflammation.
Also related to gingivitis are the use of medications such as phenytoin and birth control pills, as well as heavy metals such as lead and bismuth.

What are the risk factors for gingivitis?
Gingivitis is common and anyone can have it, but some risk factors contribute to the development of this inflammation.

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoke
• Diabetes
• Advanced age
• Low immunity
• Use of specific medications
• Viral and fungal infections
• Dry mouth
• Hormonal changes, related to pregnancy, menstrual cycle, puberty and birth control pills
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Excessive use of certain substances
• Ill-fitting or poorly cleaned mouthparts.

What are the symptoms of Gingivitis?
Inflamed gums are usually redder than normal or even purplish. It becomes swollen, sensitive and bleeds easily when brushing and flossing. Despite this, they only bother when they are touched.

In gingivitis, the gum sometimes doesn't hurt, so a person can have it and not even know it.

What are the other typical symptoms of gingivitis inflammation?

• Teeth appear longer due to receding gums
• Gums separate or pull away from the teeth, creating a pocket
• The way the teeth fit together in the silent bite
• Discharge of pus around the teeth and gingival pocket
• Constant bad breath and bad taste in mouth.

How to seek help to treat gingivitis?
Going to the dentist regularly should be part of everyone's life. Thus, the professional will be able to detect any oral health problem and treat it before it becomes something more serious and irreversible. If you notice any characteristic symptoms of gingivitis, make an appointment. The sooner you seek medical or dental help, the faster your recovery will be.

How does the consultation for evaluation of gingivitis work?
In the office, the dentist will ask a series of questions that will help make the diagnosis. Having this information at hand can help reduce consultation time. See some examples:

1. When did the symptoms start?
2. Are the symptoms continuous or occasional?
3. How often do you brush your teeth?
4. Do you floss?
5. Do you use any medication?.

How is the diagnosis of gingivitis made?
The diagnosis of gingivitis is made through the description of the patient's symptoms and the oral evaluation, in which the professional examines the tooth, gums, tongue and the inner walls of the mouth. The dentist will look for plaque buildup and tartar deposits on the tooth and then assess the condition of the gums.

How is Gingivitis treated?
Gingivitis treatment consists of eliminating the causes to reverse the symptoms of inflammation and prevent it from progressing to a more serious problem. Dentists say that the ideal treatment is a union of forces between health professionals and patient care, which together can end the symptoms of gingivitis.

What procedure should the dentist perform in case of gingivitis?

• Oral assessment and cleaning to remove all plaque and tartar on tooth surfaces
• Instructions for proper brushing and flossing
• Regular visits to the dentist for check ups and any cleanings
• Repair of orthodontic appliances, prostheses and restorations that may be hindering hygiene
• The procedure for cleaning teeth is known as prophylaxis. In it, the dentist removes all the accumulated plaque and tartar deposited at the base of the tooth

How to live with gingivitis?
Some measures can help alleviate the symptoms and discomfort caused by gingivitis, check out:

1. Use a soft toothbrush and change it every three to four months on average, or whenever the bristles become deformed
2. Choose to use an electric toothbrush, which can help remove dental plaque
3. Brush your teeth after every meal of the day
4. Floss at least once a day and efficiently
5. If recommended by your dentist, use an antiseptic mouthwash.
6. It is important to always maintain good oral hygiene so that gingivitis does not reappear

What are the possible complications of gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can affect tooth structure and cause teeth to fall out of the mouth. Complications of gingivitis include periodontitis, in which the bone and fibers that hold the teeth in position are badly damaged, and advanced periodontitis, in which the bone that supports the teeth is greatly resorbed. This causes the teeth to migrate or become mobile, which affects the bite and can lead to teeth falling out as well.
In addition, periodontal diseases can affect the health of the body as a whole as well, increasing the risk of problems such as heart attack, stroke, lung diseases and even problems in pregnancy, causing the baby to be born prematurely or underweight.

How to prevent gingivitis?
The best way to prevent gingivitis is to maintain good oral hygiene, that is, to thoroughly brush all teeth, tongue, gums, inner walls and roof of the mouth, and then use dental floss and mouthwash to eliminate bacteria that may have escaped the reach of the toothbrush.
Make an appointment with your dentist periodically, preferably once every six months or a year. If you are within groups considered at risk, where the chances of developing gingivitis are greater, visits to the dentist should occur more frequently. Consult your dentist to define the best form of prevention and oral hygiene for your mouth.