What is Gingivitis? Gingivitis is a mild reversible periodontal disease that results in inflammation of the gum tissue. If not treated it can lead to irreversible damage of the associated ligaments and bone that support the teeth, leading to a more serious condition known as periodontitis (Arndt and Nagelberg, 2010). In most cases of gingivitis, bacteria normally found in the mouth ingest and convert carbohydrates into acid. The combination of bacteria, acid, food, and saliva form what is known as plaque (Wood, 2006). If plaque is not removed, it hardens and becomes calculus, which is usually found built up around the base of the tooth. The bacteria found in plaque also contribute to the inflammatory response by releasing toxins that cause gums to become swollen and tender. "Gingivitis manifests as color change (redness), edema (swelling of the tissues), exudate (drainage of the gingival fluid from the sulcus), and a tendency to bleed readily (hemorrhage in response to gentle periodontal probing or tooth brushing)" (Essex and Perry, 2014). There are two types of gingivitis, dental plaque induced and non plaque induced. Of the two, plaque induced gingivitis is far more common and is also the most common periodontal disease. Gingivitis associated with dental plaque biofilm results from inflammation caused by the body's response to bacterial plaque (Essex and Perry, 2014). What Causes Gingivitis? Plaque induced Gingivitis There are many factors that may contribute to the development of plaque-associated gingivitis. Local factors include "dental restorations, appliances, root fractures, and tooth anatomy" (Nield-Gehrig and Willmann, 2011). These factors act as sites for bacterial plaque retention and accumulation, which cont... ... middle of paper ... ...terdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. Gamonal, J., Silva, N., Hernández, M., Dutzan, N., Garcia-Sesnich, J., Abusleme, L., Dezerega, A., & Vernal, R. 2011. Components of host responses to pathogenic bacteria in gingivitis. Gingival Diseases - Their Aetiology, Prevention and Treatment, p. 73-86. Rijeka, Croatia: InTech. Meschiari, C. A., Marcaccini, A. M., Moura, B. C. S., Zuuardi, L. R., Tanus-Santos, J. E., & Gerlack, R. F. 2013. Salivary MMPs, TIMPs, and MPO levels in periodontal disease patients and controls. Clinica Chimica Acta, 421, 140-146. Nield-Gehrig, J. S., & Willmann, D. E. 2011. Host immune response to periodontal pathogens. Foundations of Periodontics for the Dental Hygienist, p. 158-168. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Wood, N., 2006, September. Oral Health- How to Reduce Risks of Periodontitis. Positive Health, p. 30-35.
Sclauser Pessoa, I. B., Costa, D., Velloso, M., Mancuzo, E., Reis, M. S., & Parreira, V.F.
Stanley, J., Gannon, J., Gabuat, J., Hartranft, S., Adams, N., Mayes, C., Shouse, G. M.,
According to the American Dental Association, gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, occurs when the tissues that support and surround your teeth become infected. Many people are unaware they even have gum disease, because it isn’t a painful disease. Periodontal disease is caused by a film of sticky bacteria called plaque forming on the teeth.
Zhang, Y. B., Harwood, J., Williams, A., Ylänne-McEwen, V., Wadleigh, P. M., & Thimm, C.
..., Forgione, R., Maccari, M., Cuomo, A., Morana, B., Dell'osso, M., & ... Rossi, A.
Tackett, J. L., Lahey, B. B., van Hulle, C., Waldman, I., Krueger, R. F., & Rathouz, P. J. (2013).
Ottenberg, A. L., Wu, J. T., Poland, G. A., Jacobson, R. M., Koenig , B. A., & Tilburt, J. C.
Voltarelli, J. C., Couri, C., Stracieri, A., Oliveira, M. C., Moraes, D. A., Pieroni, F., Burt,
Kobau, R., Zack, M. M., Manderscheid, R., Palpant, R. G., Morales, D. S., Luncheon, C., et al.
Gingivitis is the beginning stage of oral disease. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva. The lack of good oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis. Gingivitis can be painful and result in gums at are red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. With proper oral hygiene for a period of time gingivitis can be reversed.
Ornstein, R., Rosen, D., Mammel, K., Callahan, S., Forman, S., Jay, M., Fisher, M., Rome, E., &
Zosuls, K. M., Ruble, D. N., Tamis-LeMonda, C. S., Shrout, P. E., Bornstein, M. H., & Greulich,
Control of blood glucose is significant in the prevention and management of oral health problems for diabetic patients. People with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to gum disease and are affected more often and more severely than people whose diabetes is well controlled. Proper brushing, flossing and nutrition along with regular dental visits and blood glucose control are the best preventatives against periodontal disease in the immunocompromised patient.
Dental professionals should promote a message that a strong biologic connection exists between oral and systemic health. Therefore, having a good understanding of oral health and systemic health is beneficial and can help you protect yourself. Streptococcus mutants, the bacteria found in periodontal infection are also the bacteria found in many of the cardiovascular diseases. This establishes a strong relationship between these two conditions.
However, on the a recent visit dated 23/12/13 the patient’s gingival condition had deteriorated, presenting with an increased plaque scores of 34% and bleeding scores to 63%. Intra oral examination also showed generalised oedema and erythema throughout in the mouth in response to this increase in plaque bacteria. The presence of supra-gingival calculus on lower anterior teeth and both sites of upper buccal molars and the patients BPE now reads 212 /121, putting the patients caries risk at a ‘High’ status.