Gum inflammation

Inflammation of the gums or gingivitis is the most common dental disease. Inflammation of the gums is asymptomatic, so the patient may not even suspect that he has problems with the gums. But as statistics show, dental problems of this nature affect every fifth person. Let's look at the main symptoms of the disease and treatment methods.

Read also: Gums hurt: what to do?

Basically, gum inflammation occurs due to bacteria that cause this disease. Bacteria actively multiply and attack the gums, causing severe irritation, bleeding and pain.

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Causes of gum inflammation

The causes of gum inflammation are bacteria that accumulate on the teeth and form plaque, which gradually turns into tartar. If you do not brush your teeth in time and do not react to the problem of tartar, this can cause serious problems. One of these problems is associated with the gums, the gums can recede from the teeth and pus will begin to collect in the resulting cracks. In the most advanced cases, tooth loss may occur.

The following main causes of gum inflammation are identified:

• Lack of proper oral hygiene.
• Having bad habits (smoking).
• Chronic diseases and diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes, leukemia, problems with internal organs).
• Lack of minerals and vitamins due to unbalanced diet.
• Presence of tartar.
• Drugs that reduce salivation.
• Pregnancy.
• Weakened immune system.
• Poor quality dental implants, crowns, fillings.
• Taking hormonal drugs.
• Vitamin C deficiency.
• Viral diseases.

As a rule, gum inflammation occurs due to improper oral hygiene or lack thereof. However, inflammation can also occur due to mechanical trauma to the gums. Due to improper oral hygiene, a thin film begins to form on the gums and teeth, which is impossible to see with the naked eye. The film is a mixture of bacteria and sugar, which after a couple of days turns into a hard plaque covering the tooth enamel.

That is why it is very important to brush your teeth regularly, as it allows you to get rid of the film during the hygiene procedure. If you do not brush your teeth or do it very rarely, the film will become hard and turn into tartar, and it is impossible to remove it yourself. Tartar contains many pathogenic microbes and bacteria, which are the main cause of gum inflammation.

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Symptoms of gum inflammation

Symptoms of gum inflammation appear gradually, their intensity increases. The main symptoms of gum inflammation are:

• Swollen gums.
• Discoloration of the gums.
• Redness of the gums.
• Bleeding gums.
• Bad breath.

The disease begins with reddening of the gums, the gums become bright red, that is, inflamed. If you notice that your gums have changed color and even swelled a little, then this is a clear signal that you should see a dentist.

Since the disease progresses gradually, the second stage of gum inflammation is their bleeding. Gums begin to bleed during brushing teeth with direct contact and pressure on them. This indicates that the inflammation is progressing and immediate treatment is required. Another symptom of inflamed gums is their increased sensitivity. Gums become painful, and even a light touch can cause unpleasant sensations and discomfort.

When inflammation occurs, the gums begin to recede and swell, and pus collects in the resulting cracks. It is pus that causes an unpleasant odor from the mouth. By the way, sometimes it is the unpleasant odor that can indicate that the gums are inflamed.

The last symptom of gum inflammation is tooth loss. This occurs at the very last and advanced stage of inflammation. Teeth begin to fall out due to gum atrophy. That is why it is very important to treat inflamed gums in time and recognize the symptoms of a progressive disease.

Inflammation of the gums in children

Inflammation of the gums in children occurs due to injuries that the gum membrane receives due to the eruption of the first teeth. During the period of growth of milk teeth, babies pull everything into their mouths, as they have a feeling of itching in their gums. Special medications prescribed by a pediatrician can prevent inflammation of the gums in children.

Inflammation of the gums during teething

Inflammation of the gums during teething is a process that is inherent in every organism by nature. As a rule, teething should proceed without complications, that is, painlessly. But this is only in theory, since in practice the baby's first teeth are necessarily inflammation of the gums.

On the gum, where the tooth will grow, a small tubercle appears, which is covered by a gum hood - this is the top of the tooth. As the tooth grows, this tubercle increases and the tooth erupts. It is during the formation of tubercles on the baby's gums that plaque, which is food debris, accumulates. This causes gum inflammation during eruption.

As for the symptoms of gum eruption and inflammation, these are changes in the color of the gum, it becomes red. Redness can be accompanied by swelling and pain. If you properly care for your baby's inflamed gums, the symptoms will quickly go away and soon your baby's first milk teeth will appear.

Inflammation of the gums during pregnancy

Inflammation of the gums during pregnancy or gingivitis is the most common problem. Inflammation occurs due to hormonal changes and restructuring of the female body, which works for two. During this period, the immune system is very weakened, so oral hygiene is very important. Inflammation of the gums during pregnancy can also appear due to chronic pathologies associated with the digestive system, medication, injuries, allergies and poor nutrition.

Types of gum inflammation

Inflammation of the gums around the tooth

Inflammation of the gum around the tooth can appear for various reasons, but one thing is clear, if left untreated, it will lead to periodontitis. Inflammation of the gum around the tooth is a destructive inflammatory process. Periodontitis, which occurs in this case, affects the gum, around the bone tissue, cement and periodontal ligaments that cover the root of the tooth. All specialists who work in the field of dentistry claim that inflammation of the gum around the tooth appears due to dental deposits, such as tartar and plaque.

The development of periodontitis, that is, inflammation of the gums around the tooth, is facilitated by many factors:

• Lack of or poor oral hygiene.
• Unbalanced diet.
• Pathologies of the digestive system.
• Bad habits, such as smoking and alcoholism.
• Dental plaque.
• Reduced protective function of the immune system.

Please note that plaque, which can trigger inflammatory processes, appears a couple of hours after brushing your teeth. It is a compound of a water base, saliva salts and bacteria. All microorganisms and bacteria that live in the mouth appear precisely because of plaque. Therefore, to prevent dental problems and inflammatory processes, it is necessary to brush your teeth regularly.

Inflammation of the gums with angina

Inflammation of the gums during angina occurs due to the fact that inflammatory processes occur in the body, and angina, that is, inflamed tonsils, are directly connected to the mouth and throat.

Let's look at the symptoms of gum inflammation with angina:

• The mucous membrane of the mouth becomes red.
• The temperature rises and the patient begins to feel unwell.
• It is difficult to eat because everything in your mouth hurts.
• A very unpleasant smell appears from the mouth.
• The gums swell and salivation increases.
• A grey coating forms on the gums, which causes teeth to become loose.

Inflammation of the gums with angina requires immediate treatment, and the entire recovery process should take place under the supervision of a doctor. The main task is to eliminate angina, that is, the cause of inflammation. After this, treating inflamed gums is much easier and more effective.

Inflammation of the gums due to a cold

A cold is quite an unpleasant condition, but inflammation of the gums during a cold is a double problem. You can find out whether your gums are inflamed from a cold by several symptoms. The main symptom of inflammation is acute toothache, redness in the mouth, swelling and puffiness of the gums.

There are several reasons for gum inflammation due to a cold. Very often, gums become inflamed due to a viral infection, that is, inflammation of the trigeminal nerve. Because of this, it feels like not only the teeth hurt, but the entire jaw. The face becomes swollen, and any facial movements, whether talking or eating, cause severe pain. But this is not the worst type of inflammation.

There may be much more problems when gum inflammation during a cold occurs simultaneously with blockage of the maxillary sinuses, i.e. sinusitis. In this case, the teeth not only hurt, but also begin to fester. Purulent sacs appear on the gums, which press heavily on the roots of the teeth and cause discomfort. In this case, it is impossible to cure the disease without dental care.

When treating gum inflammation due to a cold, the dentist will remove the soft tissues that have suppuration. If your teeth start to hurt after your temperature has risen slightly and you have a cough, you shouldn't worry. Because the symptoms of the disease should subside after a few days.

Inflammation of the upper gum

Inflammation of the upper gum occurs because the gum is attacked by pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria accumulate in plaque. If you do not brush your teeth well, the plaque will turn into tartar and periodontitis. And this is the first cause of gum inflammation. As for the upper gum, it can become inflamed due to mechanical damage.

Inflammation of the upper gum is directly related to the poor functioning of a weakened immune system. The body simply cannot cope with pathogenic microorganisms that actively multiply and affect the gums. Dentists call vitamin deficiency the first cause of inflammation of the upper gum. It is the weakened and unformed immune system that causes inflammation of the upper gum in children. To prevent inflammation, it is necessary to carefully take care of the body and respond to colds and various infections in time.

Inflammation of the lower gum

Inflammation of the lower gum, its bleeding and swelling occur due to the progression of bacteria. The causes of inflammation of the lower gum are identical to the causes of inflammation of the upper gum. The disease can occur due to mechanical damage, a weakened immune system, inflammatory processes in the body, chronic diseases that progress, and much more.

At the initial stage of inflammation, it is necessary to regularly rinse the gums and take antibiotics that will prevent the development of infection. If gum inflammation is neglected, the infection progresses and this can cause loosening and loss of teeth. For example, the lower gum is swollen and inflamed due to the fact that there was gingivitis recently. If gingivitis is neglected, it becomes chronic and leads to tooth loss.

The main task of a patient who has encountered gum inflammation is to carry out quality prevention. It consists of careful care of teeth and gums. It is enough to brush your teeth twice a day, rinse after meals and treat all colds in time and gum inflammation will not bother you.

Inflammation inside the gum

Inflammation inside the gum is the most complex and dangerous inflammation, as it is accompanied by suppuration and leads to tooth loss. Inflammation inside the gum affects the tissue that surrounds the teeth. The causes of this disease are inflammatory processes in the body.

Inflammation causes redness and swelling of the gums, which begin to bleed during brushing. In addition to bleeding, the gums begin to hurt and may become discolored or bright red. If the disease is not treated, then over time the gums will begin to rot from the inside, which will cause a peculiar taste and an unpleasant putrid smell in the mouth.

In some cases, due to internal inflammation, the gums begin to recede from the teeth, giving pathogenic bacteria room to grow and develop. Bacteria begin to affect not only soft tissues, but also the bone that holds the teeth. Sometimes the gums begin to take root again, but this does not mean that the disease is retreating, but quite the opposite, soon the teeth will begin to loosen and fall out. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately seek medical help.

Inflammation of the gum above the tooth

Inflammation of the gum above the tooth may be a gumboil, in which case it is impossible to get rid of the disease without medical surgical assistance. The doctor must determine the source of inflammation, its size and decide on the operation. In this case, it is very important to carry out treatment and all preventive measures before the inflammation has spread to the dental bone.

Regardless of the cause of inflammation of the gum above the tooth, it is very important to start treatment in a timely manner, since the symptoms will not go away on their own and will become more painful and dangerous with each passing day. It is necessary to seek medical help immediately. Self-medication is dangerous, since only a qualified doctor can accurately determine the cause of the inflammation and prescribe effective treatment. Remember that delaying a visit to the doctor only complicates the inflammation and can lead to serious, irreversible consequences in the future.

Inflammation of the gums under the crown

Inflammation of the gums under the crown is a problem that patients of dental clinics most often encounter. But what is the cause of the disease, why do the gums begin to become inflamed and change color due to the installation of some crowns, while others, on the contrary, do not cause side effects? The main problem of inflammation is trauma to the gum contour, which occurs when the tooth is prepared for the installation of the crown or trauma to the gum by the edge of the crown.

Inflammation of the gum under the crown can also occur due to injury to the drills. When installing a crown, the tooth is carefully processed. For this purpose, drills are used, that is, small drills. Since the tooth is made of dense tissue, the drills have diamond coatings that work on the teeth without damaging them. Drills work at a crazy speed, so it is extremely important not to allow them to come into contact with the gum. Because if this happens, the drill will simply pinch off a piece of the gum, which will cause inflammation.

Inflammation of the gum under the crown can also be caused by trauma to the edge of the crown. The crown is a special cap that is put on the tooth. It compresses the gum and impedes blood circulation, and if installed incorrectly, it can cause bleeding and serious inflammation. An incorrectly installed crown becomes a great place that attracts food debris that gets stuck under the crown. Since it is impossible to clean it out on your own, an inflammatory process begins under the crown. To avoid inflammation, it is necessary to have crowns done only by professional dentists and regularly monitor oral hygiene.

Inflammation of the gums after installation of a crown

Inflammation of the gums after the installation of a crown bothers a third of patients who decided to put crowns on themselves. There are many reasons for inflammation, so only a doctor can accurately determine the irritant and only after a thorough examination.

Let's look at the reasons that can cause gum inflammation after installing a crown. Inflammation can occur because the crown has outlived its useful life. On average, a crown lasts about five years. If your crowns have been in place much longer and your gums have become inflamed because of this, you should immediately seek medical help, as the inflammation will progress. Another reason for inflammation is damage to the gums, which can happen due to careless work by a dentist during a routine examination.

To get rid of the inflammatory process, medical assistance is required, but you can also relieve the symptoms of inflammation on your own. The first option, which will temporarily relieve pain after installing a crown, is taking painkillers. This method, although not for long, will still remove the cause of the inflammation. You can rinse with medicinal herbs. Sage and chamomile are good for these purposes, they best relieve severe pain and inflammation. But the most effective and efficient method of treatment is a visit to the doctor.

Inflammation of the gums under the denture

Inflammation of the gums under the denture can occur in any patient who has used the prosthetic service. It is impossible to eliminate the inflammation on your own, you can only temporarily muffle its symptoms. So, in this case, a visit to the dentist is mandatory.

If your gums under your dentures are inflamed, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the service life of the denture. Each denture has a service life, and when it ends, the denture begins to cause harm. For example, during sleep, saliva secretion slows down, meaning its protective properties are reduced. Because of this, a kind of bacterial plaque appears. Therefore, it is very important to clean the denture every morning and evening.

Since dentures can be removable and non-removable, you can try to prevent inflammation that occurs due to wearing such a prosthesis yourself. If you have a removable prosthesis, you need to regularly wash it in a special solution and carefully monitor its use and storage. If the prosthesis is non-removable, you can try to relieve inflammation with rinses, and then seek medical help.

Inflammation of the gums between the teeth

Inflammation of the gums between the teeth occurs because bacteria have appeared in the gaps between the teeth, which multiply and cause the progression of the disease. To eliminate inflammation of the gums between the teeth, it is necessary to carefully monitor oral hygiene, paying special attention to cleaning with dental floss. Dental floss will help get rid of food debris that remains between the teeth.

The gum between the teeth can become inflamed due to damage that we can cause ourselves. For example, something can get stuck between the teeth while eating hard food, or the gum was damaged while using a toothpick. In this case, the inflammation will progress very quickly. Since the gum has become an open area that is affected by microbes and bacteria. If you do not start treatment in time, the inflammation will lead to gum suppuration and even tooth loss.

Purulent inflammation of the gums

Purulent inflammation of the gums appears due to serious inflammatory processes in the body, chronic diseases, mechanical damage, improper oral care and advanced dental diseases.

The formation of pus on the gum may indicate the presence of a gumboil. With a gumboil, a purulent sinus forms in the gum, the cheek swells, and the gums swell. Only a dentist can eliminate purulent inflammation after an operation, during which the gumboil will be cut, the pus will be cleaned out, and the gums will be disinfected and decontaminated.

Purulent inflammation of the gums can also appear due to caries and progressive periodontitis. Therefore, it is very important to start treating all diseases that can lead to such consequences in time. Another reason for purulent inflammation of the gums is diseases of the body, for example, tonsillitis or a cold. In this case, in order to cure purulent inflammation of the gums, it is necessary to eliminate the disease itself. Many doctors recommend doing preventive mouth rinses, which prevent inflammatory processes. It is also important to fill teeth in time, since a cavity in a tooth is another reason for purulent inflammation of the gums.

Inflammation of the gums after dental treatment

Inflammation of the gums after dental treatment is a sign of improper treatment or side effects of drugs. Everything depends on what antibiotics and drugs were prescribed for use during the treatment. Thus, some drugs can cause severe irritation of the oral mucosa, which is why inflammatory processes occur.

If the treatment is not finished or is suspended, but the infection is still walking around the body, then this is another reason for gum inflammation after dental treatment. Inflammation can also appear during the healing period. For example, you had an operation to remove a gumboil or cut off the skin hood from the tooth that was preventing it from growing. In this case, after the treatment, there will be a slight inflammation of the gums. Therefore, it is very important to follow all the doctor's instructions regarding the rehabilitation period after treatment. And then no inflammation will bother you.

Inflammation of the gums after tooth extraction

Inflammation of the gums after tooth extraction is very difficult to notice, since after tooth extraction the anesthesia is still in effect, the gums hurt and ache. But if after a few days, after tooth extraction, the inflammation has not subsided, and there is still swelling that progresses, and an unpleasant smell from the mouth has appeared, then this indicates an inflammatory process. Also, during inflammation, the lymph nodes may increase and the temperature may rise. If you observe these symptoms, you must immediately seek medical help.

To prevent gum inflammation after tooth extraction, it is necessary to carefully maintain oral hygiene and prevent bacteria from entering the open wound. It is also necessary to follow all the recommendations that the doctor has prescribed for the rehabilitation period.

Do not forget that cleanliness and proper care of teeth after tooth extraction is the key to healthy gums. But on the first day after extraction, it is better to brush your teeth without using a toothbrush and toothpaste, as this can provoke an inflammatory process on the already sore gum. As soon as you notice that a blood clot has formed at the site of the extracted tooth, you can safely brush your teeth, but be careful.

Acute inflammation of the gums

Acute gum inflammation requires step-by-step treatment, let's look at the treatment stages:

• Complete removal of dental deposits and plaque.
• Identification and elimination of the causes that provoked acute gum inflammation. This could be a chronic or viral disease, the need to replace an old filling or remove a crown, and much more.
• Taking vitamin supplements that boost the immune system thanks to a full range of minerals, microelements and vitamins that provide the body with everything it needs for normal functioning.

Acute inflammation of the gums also requires medication, that is, taking antibiotics and drugs that relieve pain, that is, painkillers. If the treatment is complicated, the doctor may prescribe a consultation with a cardiologist or endocrinologist. Since acute inflammation of the gums can be caused by improper functioning of the body due to chronic diseases.

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Severe inflammation of the gums

Severe gum inflammation occurs in patients with a weakened immune system. Since the body fights infection to the last and tries to prevent inflammatory processes. Severe gum inflammation is treated by a periodontist.

Severe inflammation occurs due to advanced gingivitis. That is, the patient develops gingivitis, which is accompanied by pain, increased sensitivity and bleeding gums. Since this disease was not cured in time, it develops into periodontitis. Please note that it is impossible to completely cure periodontitis, especially if we are talking about the acute stage of the disease. In this case, it is very important to seek medical help, since self-treatment or treatment with folk remedies can only complicate the course of the disease.

Bleeding and inflammation of the gums

Bleeding and inflammation of the gums are the most common reason for seeking dental care. The main reason for these symptoms is pathogenic bacteria that appear, live and multiply in the oral cavity. Plaque appears on the teeth every day, which we remove when brushing our teeth. But if you do not brush your teeth, the plaque will cause bad breath, and subsequently cause bleeding and inflammation of the gums.

Bleeding occurs because the gums are weakened, sometimes swollen and puffy. Therefore, when brushing your teeth or eating solid food, you can replace the blood. To prevent bleeding and inflammation, you need to carefully monitor your oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, eat healthy food, and brush your teeth with special toothpastes that protect your teeth and gums.

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Inflammation of the gums after prosthetics

Inflammation of the gums after prosthetics can occur due to strong load on the gums. Since dentures are made of metal-ceramic materials, it is very important to avoid point load. If you have a denture, even a slight fall or damage to the jaw can cause severe inflammation of the gums.

To avoid inflammation after prosthetics, special attention should be paid to careful, gentle handling of the prostheses. During the installation of the prosthesis, the doctor should carefully adjust the implant to avoid the possibility of damage to the gum.

Another important point that will help to avoid gum inflammation after prosthetics is oral hygiene. If you do not brush your teeth regularly and do not visit the dentist after installing dentures, then gum inflammation is possible. Brushing your teeth with dentures should be soft and gentle, since even a toothbrush can damage the gums and the denture itself. Do not forget about regular mouth rinses, which have antiseptic properties and prevent any inflammatory processes. More information on how to avoid gum inflammation after prosthetics and how to properly care for the denture should be given to you by the dentist who performs the prosthetics and with whom you will undergo regular examinations.

Gum inflammation is a disease that causes a lot of inconvenience and discomfort. But gum inflammation in the early stages can be treated quickly and effectively. If you notice symptoms of inflammation, use our treatment tips and contact your dentist immediately.