What is Gingivitis
Gingivitis usually begins - caused by bacterial contamination/plaque - in the interdental spaces.
What is Gingivitis
Gingivitis usually begins - caused by bacterial contamination/plaque - in the interdental spaces. It is one of the most common diseases of the body and often a precursor of periodontitis. Gingivitis is an inflammatory change of the gums. The tissue immediately adjacent to the tooth in the cervical area (papilla) is reddened or swollen and bleeds upon contact with an interdental brush or a dental probe. Due to the bleeding when brushing teeth, one tends to spare this area and not clean it thoroughly. But exactly the opposite is correct: dental plaque must be removed particularly thoroughly at the inflamed areas. Through careful and continuous improvement of home dental care, gingivitis can heal. The danger of untreated gingivitis: In the long term, it can endanger the periodontal and tooth-supporting tissue - periodontitis can develop on individual or multiple teeth. If periodontitis/gingivitis is not treated, inflammation can destroy the fibres connecting the teeth to the jawbone. In the further course, this inflammation can lead to bone loss. Without fibres and bone, the teeth begin to loosen and may eventually be lost. Periodontal diseases and gum recession are, alongside caries, the most common cause of tooth loss.
Das Wichtigste auf einen Blick
- Gingivitis ist eine entzündliche Veränderung des Zahnfleisches, meist durch bakterielle Plaque verursacht.
- Typische Anzeichen sind Rötung, Schwellung und Blutung beim Zähneputzen.
- Durch sorgfältige häusliche Zahnpflege kann eine Gingivitis abheilen.
- Unbehandelt kann sich aus einer Gingivitis eine Parodontitis mit Risiko für Zahnverlust entwickeln.