GINGIVITIS

Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. It is a manifested as change in color, enlargement, bleeding, puffiness, ulceration.

CAUSES FOR GINGIVITIS:

1)The most common cause is the accumulation of TARTAR (Calculus) is the scaly yellowish or brownish hard chalk like substance that forms at the gum margins around the teeth. This tartar irritates & pushes the gums away from the teeth & causes gingivitis. Tartar contains calcium, magnesium, bacteria & fungus. As a result there is bad smell in mouth. .Hence Tartar should be removed often by the procedure called SCALING by the dentist.


2) Poor oral hygiene is also responsible for gingivitis. Owing to improper or inadequate brushing the teeth, gums become soft & lose their resistance to infection.


3) Those who have the habit of breathing through the mouth keep the lips apart when the air strikes on the gums. The dryness & the absence of the toning effect of Saliva give rise to chronic gingivitis.


4) Pregnancy alters the hormonal balance of women & their gums are prone to enlargement & bleeding which is aggravated by the presence of tartar.


5) A number of skin diseases & general diseases including Syphilis & TB manifest themselves in the inflammation of the gums.


6) Anti –Epileptic drugs causes enlargement of the gingival.


7) Leukemia reflects itself prominently in the mouth. Sometimes the bleeding, enlarged gingival is the first evidence of cancer.


8) Vitamin C deficiency predisposes to reddened, bleeding, enlarged & spongy gums.


NON MEDICAL TREATMENT:


1) Proper oral hygiene.

2) Consume lot of fresh fruits & vegetable especially Vitamin C rich fruits like Guava , plum , peaches , oranges , Aavla , sprouted cereals & grains .

3) Drink plenty of water & do not breathe through mouth.