Doctor's recommendations by hiDental

Gum inflammation (or gingivitis) is one of the most frequent oral health problems. Gum diseases can progress severely and may affect the surrounding bone and you can even loose your teeth if left untreated. Red, swollen, tender and bleeding gums are main symptoms of gum inflammation. Other symptoms could be oral pain or bad breath.

However, there are several types of gum inflammation which result from different causes. It is a good idea to understand what causes inflamed gums so that you can recognize it and have it treated properly.

Plaque-induced gum inflammation

Gum inflammation is most often caused by plaque, which is a sticky film forming on your teeth and gum. Because plaque contains harmful bacteria which release toxins, it will irritate your gum if it is not removed.

The solution for this situation is to have plaque removed in a professional cleaning at your dentists. To avoid this condition, moreover, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Regular dental visits at least twice a year are also a way to check your oral health condition.

Puberty gum inflammation

During puberty stage, hormonal changes put teenagers at higher risk for getting a gum disease. Puberty gum inflammation is a very common finding in both male and female children, however, relatively unknown. The majority of cases involving a puberty gum inflammation show a peak at 11 to 13 years of age.

The most common symptoms in young patients include bleeding and swelling of the gum at the embrasure between two adjacent teeth. Generally, the margin of gum tissues shows a linear reddish coloration. In the early years, shortly after developing, puberty gingivitis may not seem like a serious condition. However, dental plaque accumulates easier around swollen gums, leading to a more severe inflammatory condition eventually

The best treatment for puberty gum inflammation is to brush at least twice a day and to use floss to remove plaque between adjacent teeth.

Pregnancy gum inflammation

Similar to puberty gum inflammation, increased levels of progesterone, that comes with pregnancy, causes an increased response to plaque bacteria in the mouth. Sometimes, gums enlarge significantly and look like a small tumor.

Pregnancy gum tumors usually disappear on their own after the baby’s birth. However, if the tumor interferes with eating, your dentists may choose to remove it by a simple procedure performed under local anesthesia. If the lump is not removable, your dentist will try to determine the possible cause that triggers the tumor, such as plaque, and remove the cause.

Scientists show that pregnancy gum inflammation is often much more serious for women who did not have a proper oral hygiene routine before their pregnancy. Therefore, If possible, woman should take a careful antenatal examination including dental care before getting pregnant. Maintaining the health of the teeth and gum is necessary to avoid the risk of developing pregnancy gum inflammation.

Drug-induced gum enlargement

Drug-induced gum enlargement occurs due to an adverse drug reaction (ADR) in patients treated with anti-seizure medication (eg: Phenytoin), immunosuppressant (eg: Cyclosporine) or calcium channel blocker (eg: Amlodipine).

This condition can not be solved by dentists alone but also other medical specialists are needed. Lowering the dose of drugs or changing to other drugs could help to reduce gum symptoms. However, treatment strategies must be determined in a specialists’ consultation.

Effective plaque control can reduce and prevent gum enlargement. Patients can manage plaque control by maintaining a good oral hygiene, brushing teeth regularly and flossing interdental space.

Conclusion

Gum inflammation is one the most common oral problem. Due to several causes, there are many different ways to approach and treat this condition. Visiting your dentist regularly and having a solid routine at home are, however, the most effective ways to prevent any form of gum problems.

References

Newman, Michael G, Henry H. Takei, Perry R. Klokkevold, and Fermin A. Carranza. Newman and Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology. , 2019.