Gingivitis Facts

Gingivitis is essentially a disease that affects the gums and is a result of bacterial infection. The surfaces of the teeth are often coated with a film of plaque. The bacterium that lives in this plaque is responsible for most gum diseases including gingivitis. These bacteria produce toxins that negatively affect the gums and the teeth. Gingivitis results in gum inflammation, leading to irritation and bleeding.

If not properly treated, plaque can spread further toward the gum line, making pockets between the gums and teeth. This leads to further complications as well as teeth loss. Gingivitis affects people of all ages.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, or the formation of pockets of bacteria in the gums. This can lead to diseases such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, pancreatic cancer. Gingivitis can also manifest as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingitivitis also abbreviated as ANUG. This condition is also referred to as trench mouth. ANUG results from the overgrowth of pathogenic type bacteria in the mouth which leads to foul-smelling breath and pain.

The common symptoms of gingivitis are swelling of the gums, sores in the mouth, bright-reddish gum color, swollen gums that are oozing pus, foul-smelling breath, bleeding gums, and itchy gums. Gingivitis can be prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene. This includes proper and regular brushing of the teeth as well as regular visits to a dentist for scaling and cleaning. In particular, those people who have deep cavities and pockets should have regular scaling done by an expert dentist every 3 to 4 months, to ensure that excess plaque and tartar are not formed.

Gingivitis Food, Diet

Gingivitis Diet: Following a proper diet and maintaining good oral hygiene can ensure that gingivitis is always kept at bay. Below is a list of foods that can help fight gingivitis as well as prevent its occurrence.

Fiber rich foods are good to fight gingivitis and for ensuring oral hygiene as they help in cleaning the mouth and reducing the formation of harmful bacteria.
Foods containing calcium and proteins such as dairy products and meats should be included in the diet. These are extremely good for ensuring strong and healthy teeth and gums.
Although red meat is not considered healthy, owing to its high level of LDL (bad cholesterol), including small amounts in one’s diet will ensure that the gums remain healthy.
Sweet and sugar intake should be reduced or avoided as these result in an increase of harmful bacteria.
Tobacco and alcohol also have detrimental effects on teeth and gums and hence, should be avoided.

Submitted on January 16, 2014