Gingivitis

Gum inflammation, gingivitis, is a chronic inflammation of the gums, and is the first stage of periodontitis.

The healthy gums
Healthy gums are pink, slightly nubbed and sit tight around the tooth. It will not start to bleed by toothbrushing or by using toothpicks/dental floss.

Source: Tandlægeforeningen

The tooth itself is stuck in the bone which means by certain root fibers. The gum lies on the outside of the bone. The gums are located around the Crown of the tooth, which is the part of the tooth you can see. The root is hidden under the gum and is the part that is stuck in the bone.

Source: Tandlægeforeningen

 

 

 

 

 

How to keep healthy gums?

It is incredibly important for the teeth to be kept clean if you want to avoid gingivitis  and periodontitis. The first step to keep your teeth clean is to brush them twice a day (morning and evening). If you have the option of using an electric toothbrush, this is recommended as it is more effective than a normal manual toothbrush. It is a good idea to supplement with dental floss, and the older you become, the more aids can be needed, eg. toothpicks, softpicks, sun brush, or interdental brushes.

If you have any doubts about how you reach the best cleaning of your teeth, Marianne will guide you in what is optimal for you.

From time to time, you need to go to your dentist for a professional cleansing and an examination of your teeth and gums.

How does gingivitis occur?
The chronic inflammation of the gums around the teeth can occur at any age. It will be red and swollen, and may be a little sore. You will experience that it starts to bleed from the gums when brushing teeth, or using other aids to clean the teeth. In the case of gingivitis, no permanent damage has yet occurred. Both bone and root fibers are intact, and if the gingivitis is treated, the gums will reappear.

Source: Tandlægeforeningen

The inflammation occurs because the teeth are not brushed clean, and because bacteria and plaque accumulate around the gumline.

If the plaque is allowed to remain seated, it is calcified and becomes hard, and is now called tartar. The tartar has an uneven surface and makes it easier for even more plaque to grow. Both the plaque and the tartar are irritating to the gums, and the gums are thereby inflamed.

Tartar around a retainer
Tartar
Tartar
Treatment of gingivitis

Remove plaque and tartar, and if the teeth are kept clean afterwards, gum inflammation will turn to normal in a few days. You can remove plaque yourself, but your dentist has to remove the tartar.

There is great variation in the formation of tartar from person to person. Some form almost nothing, while others form very large amounts that are clearly seen on the teeth. These people need to visit the dentist more often.

Healthy gums (Source: Tandlægeforeningen)
Gums with gingivitis (Source: Tandlægeforeningen)