Inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth is referred to as gingivitis, a frequent disorder of the oral cavity. Gingivitis must be treated right away since if neglected, it can develop into more serious periodontal disorders. The goal of this page is to give a general overview of gingivitis, including its causes, signs, and available treatments.

• Causes of Gingivitis: Gingivitis is often brought on by poor oral hygiene practises, which cause plaque to build up on teeth and along the gumline. Saliva, food particles, and bacteria come together to form the sticky coating known as plaque. Plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) if it is not sufficiently removed by routine brushing and flossing, and can only be eliminated by a dental professional. Gingivitis is brought on by the bacterial toxins that plaque and tartar create, which irritate and inflame the gums.
• Contributing Factors: A number of things can make you more likely to get gingivitis, such as:
• Insufficient brushing, improper flossing, and inconsistent dental exams all contribute to plaque build-up and raise the risk of gingivitis.
• Hormonal Changes: Gums may become more sensitive and prone to inflammation due to hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes reduces the body’s defences against infections, rendering people more prone to gum conditions like gingivitis.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking destroys gum tissues, which makes them more prone to infections and slows healing. It also weakens the immune system.
• Some Drugs: Some drugs, including some anti-epileptics, oral contraceptives, and some kinds of chemotherapy, may raise the risk of gingivitis.
• Gingivitis symptoms: It’s important to catch gingivitis early to stop it from getting worse. The presence of gingivitis may be indicated by the following symptoms:
• Healthy gums are pink and firm, but when you have gingivitis, your gums look swollen, and sore, and may bleed readily, especially when you brush or floss.
• Foul Breath: The accumulation of germs and plaque can cause lingering foul breath that does not get better with routine oral hygiene procedures.
• Gum Recession: As gingivitis worsens, the gums may begin to pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots and increasing pain.
• Gum Sensitivity: The gums might become more sensitive to touch, temperature, and some foods as a result of gingivitis.
• Gum Texture Changes: Instead of being normally hard, gums affected by gingivitis may feel mushy, swollen, or “spongy.”
• Prevention and treatment:The following actions can effectively treat and prevent gingivitis because it is reversible:
• To maintain good oral hygiene, brush your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. To get rid of plaque from the gum line and in the spaces between the teeth, floss every day.
• Regular dental examinations: Visit your dentist for regular examinations and specialised cleanings. Tartars can be removed by dentists, who can also advise patients on how to maintain better dental hygiene.
• Maintain a balanced diet that is full of fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains. Reduce your intake of starchy and sugary meals, which can cause plaque. Avoid using smoke, and consume alcohol in moderation.
• Effective dental tools: To improve oral hygiene, think about employing antimicrobial mouthwashes and interdental cleaning tools like water flossers or interdental brushes.
• Stress reduction: Excessive stress can impair immunity and raise the risk of gum infections. Use stress-reduction strategies like exercise, meditation, or getting help.

Plaque accumulation along the gumline is the primary cause of gingivitis, a common and treatable gum condition. People can effectively prevent and cure gingivitis by practising good oral hygiene, going to the dentist frequently, and addressing risk factors including smoking or hormonal fluctuations. Bad breath causes people discomfort and disturbs them. In order to stop gingivitis from developing into more serious periodontal disorders, early detection and prompt treatments are essential.