Poor oral hygiene is frequently the cause of gum inflammation. When a person does not properly brush his or her teeth, plaque builds up and begins to irritate the gums. The gum disease gingivitis is an especially common disease that causes gum inflammation and is ultimately caused by poor oral hygiene. Inflamed gums can be a symptom of a more serious gum disease, however. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to severe pain, bleeding gums, and a loss of teeth.
Dental plaque builds up on the teeth, and if not removed within about three days, it hardens to become tartar. If proper brushing and flossing are not done daily, this process repeats itself until the gums become irritated and inflamed. Gum disease, and therefore inflammation, is caused by this lack of proper oral hygiene.
There are two possible types of diseases that can cause gum inflammation: gingivitis and periodontitis. The gum disease gingivitis is caused by the body’s reaction to the chemicals that are given off by bacteria that reacts to plaque around certain areas of the teeth and gums. Gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, though it does not always, even if left untreated. Periodontitis refers to the loss of alveolar bone around the teeth, which is caused by microbes on the teeth and the immune system’s reaction to those microbes. If periodontitis is present, it will always have been preceded by gingivitis.
Depending on the severity, sometimes the inflammation will go away with regular brushing and flossing. For example, gingivitis caught early can be taken care of with impeccable oral hygiene. In many cases, however, the person affected should get a deep cleaning by a dentist along with advice on how to continue treatment and prevent future gum diseases. If the gum disease is severe, the affected person may need multiple cleanings, antibiotics, and other procedures to rid him or her of the infection and improve the appearance of the mouth. Not treating gum inflammation, whatever the cause, usually leads to the condition worsening.
Dentists generally recommend brushing and flossing the teeth at least twice daily. Using a soft-bristled brush is often highly recommended, along with brushing longer instead of harder. Lastly, flossing is important to prevent gum disease and should be done gently to avoid cutting the gums. Combined with routine checkups performed by a dentist, gum inflammation caused by poor oral hygiene should no longer be a problem.