Gingivitis (Inflamed Gums)
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is a common or mild form of gum disease that usually occurs because a film of plaque or bacteria accumulates on teeth.
In this blog post, we will discuss;
- Etiology and pathogenesis of Gingivitis.
- Clinical signs and symptoms of Gingivitis.
- Tips for healing and treatment
- Outline the topic of improving care coordination
- Among the interprofessional team to enhance care delivery for patients affected by Gingivitis.
Etiology (Cause) Of Disease
A cause of Gingivitis is the cumulation of bacterial plaque around the teecommon th. The plaque activates an immune response, which, in turn, can eventually lead to the destruction of gingival or gum tissue. It can also cause further complications, including the loss of teeth. Read This Article Best Treatment For Receding Gums
The microorganism is more strongly associated with the etiology of disease include species of;
- Streptococcus
- Fusobacterium
- Actinomyces
- Veillonella
- Treponema
Based on the etiology, Gingivitis is classified into different types.
- Plaque Induced Gingivitis
- Nutritional Gingivitis
- Hormonal Gingivitis
- Drug-Induced Gingivitis
Pathophysiology
Gingivitis disease undergoes four different stages that Page and Schroeder first explained in 1976.Pathophysiology, Gingivitis is classified into four different stages.
Initial Lesion
The initial stage is seen within four days of initiation of plaque accumulation. This stage is caused by;
- An acute exudative inflammatory response
- A raised gingival fluid flow
- The relocation of neutrophils from the blood vessel of the subgingival plexus located in the gingival connective tissue to the gingival sulcus.
Early Lesion
It has usually shown up after one week from the beginning of plaque deposition. Clinical signs of Gingivitis include;
- Redness
- bleeding from the gingiva
Established Lesion
In this stage, collagenolytic activity increased due to macrophages, plasma cells, T and B lymphocytes. At this stage, a small gingival pocket ceiled with a pocket epithelium is created. The lesion shows a high degree of organization.
Advanced Lesion
This stage is a conversion to periodontitis. It is caused by irreversible attachment loss. The inflammatory changes and the bacterial infection affect the supporting tissues and the surrounding structures of the teeth, such as gingival, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone resulting in their destruction and may eventually result in tooth loss.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Dusky red or dark red gums
- Gum bleeding occurs when you brush or floss
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Tender gums
Treatment
The main purpose of treating Gingivitis is to reduce inflammation. It is derived from the use of different instruments to remove dental plaque deposits.In its early stages, Gingivitis can be easily managed if the patient starts to follow the oral hygiene protocol, including regular brushing of teeth with suitable methods. If it is a drug-induced gingival disease, the doctor changes the medication to improve the results of treatment of the condition. Supplements may be prescribed if it is due to nutritional deficiency. In the form of a Medicated antiseptic mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine can also be suggested in conjunction with the mechanical elimination of plaque.
It is suggested that in addition to a routine toothbrush and interproximal cleaning, the use of chlorhexidine mouthwashes leads to a significant reduction in the reconstruction of dental biofilm. Medicinal or herbal plants (pomegranate, tea, and chamomile) have positive effects on the management of Gingivitis. The flavonoids and tannins are present in these plants are powerful anti-inflammatory and constringent phytochemicals. Therefore, they can sort out both gingival bleeding and inflammation.
Home Remedies to Treat Gingivitis
Home remedies are a very low-cost and productive way to treat Gingivitis.If you start treatment at an early stage, home remedies are usually capable of clearing Gingivitis.
Saltwater Treatment for Gingivitis
Using a saltwater rinse is very beneficial in healing gums inflamed by Gingivitis. Salt is a natural mineral that helps your body to heal itself.Saltwater may also help to:
- Pacify inflamed gums
- Help relieve pain
- Reduce bacteria
- Elimination particles of food
- Mitigate bad breath
To use a saltwater rinse:
- Take a 3/4 teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and mix it well.
- Swish the fluid in your mouth for up to 30 seconds.
- Spit out the solution.
- Repeat two to three times per day.
Use of lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil was found to be more productive than conventional chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque and gingivitis levels.
To use a lemongrass mouthwash:
- Take two to three drops of lemongrass essential oil in a cup
- Swished the mixture in your mouth for up to 30 seconds.
- Spit out the mixture.
- Use it two to three times daily.
Swished the juice in your mouth for 30 seconds.Spit out the mixture.Use it two to three times daily.
Aloe Vera Mouthwash
Aloe Vera is effective as chlorhexidine in reducing plaque and Gingivitis. Both methods significantly reduced symptoms.Unlike other mouthwashes, aloe Vera juice doesn’t demand to be diluted. Before use, ensure the juice is 100% pure.
To use an aloe Vera mouthwash:
- Swished the juice in your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Spit out the mixture.
- Use it two to three times daily.
Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash
Mouthwash is used for the treatment of Gingivitis.To use a tea tree oil mouthwash:
- Add three droplets of tea tree oil to a cup of hot water.
- Swished the mixture in your mouth for up to 30 seconds.
- Spit out the mixture.
- Use it two to three times daily.
You can also add up a drop of tea tree oil to your toothbrush at the time of brushing. The first time when you use tee tree oil, it must be an extremely diluted amount of oil.
Side effects of using high concentration tea tree oil:
- an allergic reaction
- rash
- mild burning
Deterrence and Patient Education
The patient must be aware of the significance of good oral hygiene; in this way, you can prevent yourself from inflamed gums. You should better your brushing technique and also the frequency of brushing. You should regularly visit the dentist for proper treatment and check-ups. Mouthwash is also useful in this case.
Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
To improve the result of gingivitis treatment, an interprofessional approach is needed to identify the causes of disease and intercede at an early stage. Public health services planning requires complete knowledge of epidemiological patterns for the treatment of gingivitis disease.
Periodontal disease also affects general systemic health. It is not only limited to the ruin of the periodontium. Thus, both dentists and physicians must be familiar with the close link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, and premature birth or low birth weight.
