Inflammation of the gums
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Inflammation of the gums or gingivitis is the most common dental disease. Inflammation of the gums is asymptomatic, because of this the patient may not suspect that he has problems with the gums. But as statistics show, dental problems of this nature concern every fifth person. Let's look at the main symptoms of the disease and how to treat it.
Read also: The gum hurts: what to do?
Basically, the inflammation of the gums appears due to the bacteria that cause the disease. Bacteria actively multiply and attack the gums, causing severe irritation, bleeding and pain.
Causes of inflammation of the gums
Causes of inflammation of the gums are bacteria that accumulate on the teeth and are a plaque that gradually turns into tartar. If you do not brush your teeth and do not respond to the problem of tartar, it can cause serious problems. One of these problems is associated with the gums, the gum may recede from the teeth and pus will gather in the formed cracks. In the most neglected cases, there may be a loss of teeth.
There are following main causes of gum disease:
- Lack of proper oral hygiene.
- The presence of 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 nutrition.
- Presence of calculus.
- Drugs that reduce salivation.
- Pregnancy.
- Weakened immune system.
- Dental implants, crowns, seals are of poor quality.
- Admission of hormonal drugs.
- Lack of vitamin C.
- Viral diseases.
As a rule, inflammation of the gums appears due to improper hygiene of the oral cavity or lack of it. But, inflammation can appear and because of the mechanical injury of the gums. Due to improper hygiene of the oral cavity on the gums and teeth, a thin film begins to form, which can not be seen with the naked eye. The film is a mixture of bacteria and sugar, which after a couple of days turns into a hard coating covering the tooth enamel.
That is why it is very important to systematically brush your teeth, as it allows you to get rid of the film during the hygiene procedure. If the teeth are not cleaned or do it extremely rarely, the film will become hard and turn into tartar, and it will be impossible to remove it alone. In the tartar are many pathogenic microbes and bacteria, which become the main cause of inflammation of the gums.
[4],
Symptoms of gingival inflammation
Symptoms of inflammation of the gums appear gradually, their intensity increases. The main symptoms of inflammation of the gums:
- Swelling of the gums.
- Discoloration of the gums.
- Redness of the gums.
- Bleeding gums.
- Unpleasant odor from the mouth.
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 a little swollen, then this is a clear signal that you should contact a dentist.
As the disease progresses gradually, the second stage of inflammation of the gums is their bleeding. The gums begin to bleed while 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 hypersensitivity. The gums become painful, and even a slight touch can cause discomfort and discomfort.
In case of inflammation, the gums begin to swell and swell, and pus is collected in the formed cracks. Pus is the cause of bad breath. By the way, sometimes the unpleasant smell can say that the gum is inflamed.
The last symptom of gum disease is loss of teeth. This occurs at the latest and most advanced stage of inflammation. Teeth begin to fall out because of 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 gums in children
Inflammation of the gums in children arises from the injuries that the gum shell receives due to the eruption of the first teeth. During the growth of baby teeth, babies pull everything in their mouth, as they have a feeling of itching of the gums. Prevent inflammation of the gums in children can special preparations, which appoints a pediatrician.
Inflammation of gums with teething
Inflammation of the gums with teething is a process that is inherent in nature in every organism. As a rule, teething should go without complications, that is, painlessly. But this is so only in theory, since in practice the first teeth of a baby is necessarily inflammation of the gums.
On the gum, where the tooth will grow, there is a small tubercle, which is covered with a gingival hood - this is the tip of the tooth. As the tooth grows, this bump grows and the tooth is cut. It is during the formation of tubercles on the gums of the baby that plaque is collected, which is the remains of food. This causes the inflammation of the gums during eruption.
As for the symptoms of gum eruption and inflammation, these are changes in the color of the gums, it becomes red. Redness can be accompanied by swelling and pain. If you properly take care of your baby's gums, the symptoms will quickly go away and your baby's first baby teeth will soon appear.
Inflammation of 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 weak, so hygiene behind the mouth is very important. Inflammation of gums during pregnancy can also appear due to chronic pathologies that are associated with the digestive system, medication, trauma, allergies and malnutrition.
Types of inflammation of the gums
Inflammation of the gum around the tooth
Inflammation of the gum around the tooth may appear for various reasons, but one thing is clear, if it is not treated, it will lead to periodontitis. Inflammation of the gums around the tooth is a destructive and inflammatory process. Periodontitis, which in this case occurs, 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, argue that the inflammation of the gums around the tooth appears due to dental deposits, such as stone and plaque.
The development of periodontitis, that is, the inflammation of the gums around the tooth contributes to a number of factors:
- Absence or poor-quality oral hygiene.
- Unbalanced nutrition.
- Pathology of the digestive system.
- Harmful habits, for example, smoking and alcoholism.
- Plaque.
- Reduced protective function of the immune system.
Please note that dental plaque, which can provoke inflammation, appears after a couple of hours after brushing your teeth. It is a compound from an aqueous base, salts of saliva and bacteria. All microorganisms and bacteria that live in the mouth, appear precisely because of plaque. Therefore, to prevent problems with the teeth and inflammation, you need to regularly brush your teeth.
Inflammation of the gums in angina
Inflammation of the gums in angina occurs due to the fact that inflammatory processes occur in the body, and angina, that is, inflamed glands are directly associated with the mouth and throat.
Let's look at the symptoms of gum disease 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, as everything in the mouth hurts.
- There is a very bad smell from the mouth.
- The gingiva swells and saliva increases.
- On the gums there is a gray coating, which causes the loosening of the teeth.
Inflammation of the gums with angina requires immediate treatment, and the entire process of recovery should be under the supervision of a doctor. The main task is to eliminate the sore throat, that is, the cause of the inflammation. After that, to treat inflamed gums is much easier and more effective.
Inflammation of the gums for colds
The cold is a rather unpleasant condition, but the inflammation of the gums for colds is a double problem. To find out if the gum has become inflamed due to a cold, you can take several symptoms. The main symptom of inflammation is acute toothache, redness in the mouth, swelling and swelling of the gums.
Causes of inflammation of the gums due to a cold are several. Very often the gum inflames due to a viral infection, that is, inflammation of the trigeminal nerve. Because of this, it is felt that not only the teeth hurt, but the whole jaw. The face becomes swollen, and any mimic movements, whether talking or eating, cause severe pain. But this is not the most terrible variant of inflammation.
Much more problems can be in the case when the inflammation of the gums during colds occurs simultaneously with the clogging of the maxillary sinuses, that is, the sinusitis. In this case, the teeth not only hurt, but also start to fester. On the gums appear purulent sacs, which strongly press on the roots of the teeth and bring discomfort. In this case, without dental care, the disease can not be cured.
When treating inflammation of the gums for colds, the dentist will remove the soft tissues on which there is suppuration. If the teeth began to hurt after a little fever and a cough appeared, then you should not worry. Since, in a few days, the symptoms of the disease must recede.
Inflammation of the upper gum
Inflammation of the upper gums is due to the fact that the gum attacks the pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria accumulate in plaque. If you do not brush your teeth, the plaque will turn into tartar and periodontitis. And this is the first cause of inflammation of the gums. As for the upper gum, it can become inflamed due to mechanical damage.
Inflammation of the upper gum is directly related to the poor performance of the weakened immune system. The body simply can not cope with pathogens that actively multiply and damage the gums. Dentists call avitaminosis 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, you need to carefully take care of the body and during the time to respond to colds and various infections.
Inflammation of the lower gum
Inflammation of the lower gum, its bleeding and swelling are 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, due to 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 gum and take antibiotics that will prevent the development of infection. If the inflammation of the gums is triggered, the infection progresses and this can cause loosening and loss of teeth. For example, the lower gum was swollen and inflamed because of the recent gingivitis. If the gingivitis is started, then it turns into a chronic and leads to the loss of teeth.
The main task of the patient, who faced inflammation of the gums - to conduct high-quality prevention. It consists in careful care of teeth and gums. It is enough to brush your teeth twice a day, rinse after eating and on time to treat all colds and gum disease will not bother you.
Inflammation inside the gums
Inflammation inside the gums is the most difficult and dangerous inflammation, as it is accompanied by suppuration and leads to tooth loss. Inflammation inside the gums affects the tissue that surrounds the teeth. The causes of this disease are inflammatory processes in the body.
Inflammation causes reddening and swelling of the gums, which begin to bleed during cleansing. In addition to bleeding, the gums begin to ache and can discolor or become bright red. If the disease is not treated, then eventually the gum will begin to rot from the inside, because of this in the mouth will appear a peculiar taste and an unpleasant putrefactive smell.
In some cases, due to internal inflammation, the gums begin to cling to the teeth, giving pathogens a place for growth and development. Bacteria begin to affect not only the soft tissues, but also the bone that holds the teeth. Sometimes the gums begin to settle down, but this does not mean that the disease recedes, but on the contrary, soon the teeth begin to loosen and fall out. Therefore, you should immediately seek medical help.
Inflammation of the gum above the tooth
Inflammation of the gum above the tooth can be a flux, in this case, it is impossible to get rid of the disease without medical assistance. The doctor should determine the focus of inflammation, its size and make decisions about the operation. In this case it is very important to carry out treatment and all preventive measures before the inflammation has passed to the dental bone.
Regardless of the cause of gum disease over the tooth, it is very important to get treatment in a timely manner, as the symptoms themselves will not pass and will become more and more painful and every day. Seek immediate medical attention. It is dangerous to deal with self-medication, as only a qualified doctor can accurately determine the cause of inflammation and prescribe an effective treatment. Remember that delaying the trip to the doctor only complicates the inflammation and in the future can lead to serious, irreversible consequences.
Inflammation of the gum under the crown
Inflammation of the gum under the crown is a problem most often encountered by patients of dental clinics. But what is the cause of the disease, why, because of the installation of some crowns, gums begin to inflame and change color, while others do not cause side effects on the contrary? The main problem of inflammation is the injury of the gingival contour, which occurs when the tooth is prepared for the installation of a crown or a gum injury by the edge of the crown.
Inflammation of the gum under the crown can also occur due to injury to the burs. When installing the crown, the tooth is carefully treated. For this purpose, use burs, that is, small drills. Since the tooth is made of dense tissue, the drills have diamond sputtering, which works on the teeth without damaging them. Drills work with a crazy speed, so it is extremely important to prevent their contact with the gum. Since, if this happens, the burr simply pinches out a piece of gum because of which the inflammation will go.
Inflammation of the gum under the crown may be due to injury by the edge of the crown. Crown is a special cap, which is put on the tooth. It squeezes the gum and impedes blood circulation, and if improperly installed, it can cause bleeding and severe inflammation. An incorrectly installed crown becomes an excellent place that attracts food remnants that are hammered into the crown. Since it is impossible to clean it out on its own, the inflammatory process begins under the crown. To avoid inflammation, it is necessary to do crowns only with professional dentists and regularly monitor oral hygiene.
Inflammation of the gum after the crown is inserted
Inflammation of the gum after the installation of the crown is worried by a third of patients who decided to put themselves crowns. The causes of inflammation are numerous, therefore the doctor can determine the irritant precisely and only after a thorough examination.
Let's look at the causes that can cause gum disease after the crown is inserted. Inflammation can occur due to the fact that the crown has outlived its useful life. On average, the crown serves about five years. If your crowns are much longer and because of this the gingiva is inflamed, you should immediately seek medical help, as the inflammation will progress. Another cause of inflammation is damage to the gums, which can happen with careless operation of the dentist during the next inspection.
To get rid of the inflammatory process, medical attention is required, but it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of inflammation independently. The first option, which will allow for a while to remove the pain after the installation of the crown - this is a method of painkillers. This method, though for a while, but all the same, will remove the cause of inflammation. You can rinse using herbs. For these purposes, salvia and chamomile are good, they best remove severe pain and inflammation. But the most effective and effective way of treatment is going to the doctor.
Inflammation of gums under the denture
Inflammation of gums under the prosthesis can occur in any patient who has used the prosthetic service. Independently to eliminate the inflammation is impossible, you can only temporarily mute its symptoms. So, in this case, a trip to the dentist is mandatory.
If you have an inflamed gum under the denture, then the first thing you need to pay attention to is the life of the prosthesis. Each denture has a service life, when it ends, the prosthesis begins to damage. So, for example, during sleep, the saliva secretion slows down, that is, its protective properties go down. Because of this, a kind of bacterial attack appears. Therefore it is very important to clean the prosthesis every morning and evening.
Since dental prostheses are removable and non-removable, inflammations that arise due to the wearing of such a prosthesis can be tried to prevent yourself. If you have a removable denture, then it must be regularly washed in a special solution and closely monitored for its use and storage. If the prosthesis is not removable, then you can try to remove the inflammation by rinsing, and after that seek medical help.
Inflammation of the gum between the teeth
Inflammation of the gum between the teeth arises due to the fact that in the crevices between the teeth there are bacteria that multiply and cause the progression of the disease. To eliminate the inflammation of the gum between the teeth, you must carefully monitor oral hygiene, paying special attention to cleaning with dental floss. The dental floss will allow you to get rid of the remains of food left between your teeth.
The gums between the teeth can become inflamed due to damage that we can cause ourselves. For example, while eating solid food between the teeth, something can get stuck, and when using a toothpick, the gum has been damaged. In this case, the inflammation will progress very quickly. Since the gum has turned into an open area that infects microbes and bacteria. If at the time do not take up treatment, the inflammation will lead to suppuration of the gums and even loss of teeth.
Purulent inflammation of the gum
Purulent inflammation of the gum appears due to serious inflammatory processes in the body, chronic diseases, mechanical damage, improper oral care and neglected dental diseases.
The formation of pus on the gum may indicate the presence of flux. With a flux in the gums, a purulent sinus is formed, the cheek swells, and the gums swell. Eliminate purulent inflammation can only the dentist after the operation, in which the flux will be cut, pus cleaned, and the gum is disinfected and disinfected.
Purulent inflammation of the gum may also appear due to caries and progressive periodontitis. Therefore, it is very important to begin treatment of all diseases that can lead to similar consequences. Another cause of purulent inflammation of the gums - this is a disease of the body, for example, sore throat or cold. In this case, to cure the purulent inflammation of the gums, it is necessary to eliminate the disease itself. Many doctors recommend doing preventive mouth rinses that prevent inflammation. Also, it is important to fill teeth in time, as the hollow in the tooth is another cause of purulent gingival inflammation.
Inflammation of the gum after tooth treatment
Inflammation of the gum after tooth treatment is a sign of improper treatment or side effects of drugs. It all depends on what antibiotics and drugs were prescribed for use in the treatment. So, some medicines can cause strong irritation of the oral mucosa, which is why inflammatory processes occur.
If the treatment is not completed or suspended, but the infection is still walking through the body, this is another cause of gum disease after tooth treatment. Inflammation can also appear during the healing period. For example, you had an operation to remove the flux or cut the dermal hood from the tooth, which prevented it from growing. In this case, after treatment there will be a slight inflammation of the gums. Therefore it is very important to comply with all the prescriptions of the doctor, which relate to the rehabilitation period after treatment. And then no inflammation will bother you.
Inflammation of the gum after tooth extraction
Inflammation of the gum after removal of the tooth is very difficult to notice, since after an extraction of the tooth, anesthesia still works, the gums ache and ache. But if after a few days, after removal of the tooth, the inflammation does not go away, and there is still a puffiness that progresses, and an unpleasant odor from the mouth appears, this indicates an inflammatory process. Also, during inflammation, lymph nodes can increase and the temperature rise. If you observe these symptoms, then you should immediately seek medical help.
To prevent the inflammation of the gum after removal of the tooth, you must carefully observe the oral hygiene and prevent bacteria from entering the open wound. Also, it is necessary to comply with all the recommendations that the doctor appointed for the rehabilitation period.
Do not forget that cleanliness and proper dental care after tooth extraction is a pledge of healthy gums. But on the first day after removal, teeth are best cleaned without using a toothbrush and toothpaste, since this can trigger an inflammatory process on an already painful gum. As soon as you notice that a blood clot has formed on the site of the removed tooth, you can brush your teeth safely, but while observing caution.
Acute gingival inflammation
Acute inflammation of the gums suggests a phased treatment, let's consider the stages of treatment:
- Complete removal of deposits on the teeth and plaque.
- Identify and eliminate the causes that provoked acute inflammation of the gums. It can be a chronic or viral disease, the need to replace the old fillings or remove the crown and much more.
- The intake of vitamin preparations that boost the immune system through a full set of minerals, trace elements and vitamins, which gives the body everything necessary for normal functioning.
Acute inflammation of the gums also includes medication, that is, taking antibiotics and drugs that relieve pain, that is, painkillers. If the treatment is complicated, the doctor can prescribe a consultation with a cardiologist or endocrinologist. Since acute inflammation of the gums can be triggered by improper work of the body due to chronic diseases.
Severe inflammation of the gums
A strong inflammation of the gums occurs in patients with a weakened immune system. Since the body until the last struggles with infection and tries to prevent inflammation. A strong inflammation of the gums is treated by the dentist-periodontist.
Severe inflammation arises from neglected gingivitis. That is, the patient develops gingivitis, which is accompanied by soreness, hypersensitivity and bleeding gums. Since this disease was not cured in time, it develops into periodontitis. Please note that it is impossible to completely heal periodontitis, especially if it is an acute stage of the disease. In this case it is very important to seek medical help, since self-treatment or treatment with alternative methods can only complicate the course of the disease.
Bleeding and inflammation of the gums
Bleeding and inflammation of the gums is the most common reason for seeking dental care. The main reason for the appearance of these symptoms is pathogenic bacteria that appear, live and reproduce in the oral cavity. Every day, a plaque appears on the teeth, which we clean during brushing. But if the teeth are not cleaned, the plaque will cause bad breath, and later cause bleeding and inflammation of the gums.
Bleeding comes about because the gum is weakened, sometimes swelling and swelling. Therefore, during the cleaning of teeth or eating solid food you can replace the blood. To prevent bleeding and inflammation, you should carefully monitor oral hygiene, regularly visit the dentist, eat healthy food and brush your teeth with special toothpastes that protect your teeth and gums.
Inflammation of gums after prosthesis
Inflammation of the gums after prosthetics can occur due to a heavy load on the gum. Since dentures are made of cermet materials, it is very important to avoid point loading. If you have a denture, even an easy drop or damage to the jaw can cause severe gingival inflammation.
To avoid inflammation after prosthetics, special attention should be paid to careful, gentle handling of dentures. During the installation of the prosthesis, the doctor should carefully adjust the implantant to avoid the possibility of damage to the gum.
Another important point that will avoid inflammation of the gums after prosthetics is compliance with oral hygiene. If you do not regularly brush your teeth and do not visit the dentist after installing the prosthesis, then inflammation of the gums is possible. Cleaning teeth with dentures should be soft and tidy, as even a toothbrush can damage the gum and the prosthesis itself. Do not forget about regular mouth rinses that have antiseptic properties and prevent any inflammatory processes. More information on how to avoid gum disease after prosthetics and how to properly care for the prosthesis, you should tell the dentist who holds the prosthesis, and from whom you will undergo regular examinations.
Inflammation of the gums is a disease that causes a lot of discomfort and discomfort. But the inflammation of the gums in the early stages is amenable to rapid and effective treatment. If you notice symptoms of inflammation, use our advice on treatment and contact your dentist immediately.