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Periodontology: from gingivitis to periodontitis

The term periodontology encompasses all forms of treatment of the so-called periodontium – for example gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium, i.e. the jawbone, gums and periodontal membrane).

Temporary gum inflammation is harmless in itself, but can quickly become chronic and progress into periodontitis. This often initially leads to bleeding and receding gums. Gum pockets and sometimes even toothache may develop as the affected teeth become particularly sensitive.

If left untreated, periodontitis (often also referred to as periodontal disease) usually leads to loosening of the tooth and can ultimately even result in tooth loss. Since it affects the periodontium as a whole, the consequences are often noticeable throughout the entire oral cavity.

In addition, periodontitis can promote serious general diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes and carries an increased risk of premature births during pregnancy.

Periodontology: from gingivitis to periodontitis

The term periodontology encompasses all forms of treatment of the so-called periodontium – for example gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium, i.e. the jawbone, gums and periodontal membrane).

Temporary gum inflammation is harmless in itself, but can quickly become chronic and progress into periodontitis. This often initially leads to bleeding and receding gums. Gum pockets and sometimes even toothache may develop as the affected teeth become particularly sensitive.

If left untreated, periodontitis (often also referred to as periodontal disease) usually leads to loosening of the tooth and can ultimately even result in tooth loss. Since it affects the periodontium as a whole, the consequences are often noticeable throughout the entire oral cavity.

In addition, periodontitis can promote serious general diseases such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes and carries an increased risk of premature births during pregnancy.

Causes and risk factors that promote gum inflammation

The human mouth is colonized by around 500 different types of bacteria. They normally form the healthy oral flora. If the oral flora is out of balance, there is a risk of gum inflammation. A common cause of such an imbalance, i.e. a bacterial disease, is inadequate oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene creates dental plaque, in which bacteria are protected and can therefore multiply unhindered. They produce toxins that attack the gums (and also cause tooth decay) and have to be fought by the body’s immune system: the body reacts with inflammation. Plaque may also promote the formation of tartar. This should therefore be removed by a professional dental hygiene, because also tartar can cause gum inflammation. Another possible cause of gingivitis can be strong mechanical stress on the gums (for example if teeth are brushed with too much pressure).

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General risk factors for gum inflammation can include:

  • excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco (nicotine)
  • diabetes mellitus
  • drug use
  • hormonal changes (e.g. during puberty or pregnancy)
  • certain medications such as hydantoin derivatives (e.g. phenytoin for epilepsy), nifedipine preparations (e.g. for high blood pressure, angina pectoris), cyclosporin A (e.g. for transplants) and others.
  • metabolic disorders
  • stress
  • vitamin deficiency (e.g. vitamin C)

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Symptoms that indicate gum disease

Acute gum inflammation is manifested by some typical symptoms. Healthy gums are characterized by a light pink color, fit tightly to the tooth and do not bleed under (moderate) stress.

On the other hand, acutely inflamed gums are noticeable because they’re:

  • red and possibly swollen
  • less solid/spongy
  • bleeding (more) quickly

In very serious cases, for example when a so-called acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) occurs, symptoms such as fever, severe pain, bad breath and exhaustion also occur. ANUG causes mouth ulcers to form and the gums to die. It is very aggressive, but fortunately also very rare.

What to do if your gums are inflamed?

If you have a temporary inflammation of the gums, you can do a lot yourself to ensure a rapid improvement and, at the same time, support and accelerate the treatment that your dentist may carry out. The most important measure is that you do not interrupt your dental care and clean your teeth thoroughly, even if your gums are painful or bleeding. First use a comparatively soft toothbrush so as not to cause additional mechanical damage to your gums. Thoroughly brush all surfaces of your teeth twice a day and also clean your tongue. To do this, you can use special tongue cleaners such as tongue scrapers; but you can also use your toothbrush for this. The use of dental floss is also highly recommended. With its help you’re able to clean the spaces between your teeth that are inaccessible to the toothbrush. In addition to brushing your teeth at home, you should consider having a professional teeth cleaning at least once a year in your dental practice. By that, stubborn deposits are removed in the spaces between your teeth and on the edges of your teeth that you cannot remove yourself.

If you have gum inflammation, please contact us early. We will help you to quickly regain healthy gums and prevent periodontitis and all its consequences from developing. Your dentists in Zug will also be happy to provide you with detailed advice on oral hygiene and dental care, as well as the use of possible additional aids such as mouthwashes and so on.

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