Causes and signs of gingivitis
Eine Gingivitis beginnt meist - durch bakterielle Verunreinigung/Plaque verursacht - in den Zahnzwischenräumen.
Gingivitis almost always starts in the same place: between the teeth, where bacterial deposits persist that the toothbrush does not reach. It is one of the most common diseases of all.
The most common mistake
When the gums bleed during brushing, the instinct is to spare the spot. The opposite is correct: it is precisely the inflamed areas that need thorough but gentle cleaning. The bleeding is not a consequence of brushing but of the inflammation – and it stops as soon as that subsides.
What happens if nothing is done
Untreated gingivitis can endanger the tooth-supporting apparatus in the long run. At one or several teeth it develops into periodontitis – and the consequences of that can no longer be reversed.
Symptoms
Possible signs of gingivitis or periodontitis:
- red, swollen gums
- gums bleed when touched
- receding gums and elongated tooth necks
- pain in teeth and gums
- teeth become loose
- bad taste and bad breath
- progressive loss of bone
What causes it
The main cause is inadequate oral hygiene. The disease is encouraged by stress, diabetes, osteoporosis – and particularly often by smoking.
Why you should not wait
The inflammatory substances from the gum pockets enter the body through the bloodstream. If you notice one or more of these signs, make an appointment.