Causes And Effects Of Gingivitis The inflammation of the gums due to bacteria is known as Gingivitis. The bacteria are very harmful and can get into the bones at the root of the teeth and just eat them away.

No wonder, dentists across the world agree that gingivitis is the leading cause of tooth loss across all ages and it is also the #1 cause for all kinds of tooth problems in the adults.

What Causes Gingivitis?

There are certain bacteria which cause gingivitis and they reside in the gum line i.e. the point from where the teeth emerge. Though many types of bacteria are found, doctors call them by a universal name – plaque. This plaque is actually made up of harmful bacteria, food particles and mucus.

They need to be brushed away within 48 hrs otherwise a hard layer gets formed which is known as tartar. The sad part is that toothbrushes can’t remove tartar; you need to visit a dentist as soon as possible.

Who Is At Greater Risk Of Gingivitis?

There are some sections of people who are more prone to gum diseases like gingivitis than others. Persons who are suffering from diabetes and AIDS are at high risk of contracting gingivitis.

Causes And Effects Of Gingivitis

There are some other factors also which may lead to the development of this gum condition. Some of these factors are improper alignment of teeth, use of female contraceptive pills, vitamin B3 deficiency, deficiency of vitamin C, allergic reactions, genetics etc.

Pregnant Women And Gingivitis

Women who are pregnant usually have gum related problems. This is because there can be an excess growth of gum tissue due to hormonal changes and build-up of tartar. There can be a formation of lump which will bleed very often.

Also Read

Bleeding Gums – A Warning Of Periodontal Disease
How To Prevent Tooth Decay
Gum Disease Causes And Treatment
Common Types Of Gum Disease

These lumps are known as pregnancy tumor but they are not at all malignant. The pregnant woman may have trouble in brushing her teeth properly which will lead to eventual concentration of bacteria.

How Is Gingivitis Related With Menopause?

Postmenopausal women are also at a high risk of getting this gum disease. In fact, they may suffer from severe conditions. The outer layer of their gums easily comes off and the teeth lose their solidity. This is a very painful condition for the women and more so because the nerve endings gets totally exposed.

Acute Herpetic Gingivostomatitis 

Causes And Effects Of Gingivitis

Though not a very common cause, certain viruses like herpes virus can attack the gums. There will be formation of tiny ulcers and holes will be formed in the gums and other areas of the mouth.

This painful dental disease is known as acute herpetic gingivostomatitis. This sort of disease is usually evident among those people who have been afflicted with herpes for the first time.

Effects Of gingivitis

You must take care of gingivitis as soon as it has been diagnosed. If the condition is left untreated then there will be a build-up of bacteria and debris in-between the teeth and under the gum line.

This will lead to an increase in infection and the gums will eventually start receding. This will make the teeth appear a bit longer than before. Even, if at this stage, the condition is not treated then this will become a severe case of periodontal disease and this will lead to a series of problems.

The bones will start receding and the teeth will, from one point of time, start falling off due to total lack of support.