Inflammation is the most common superficial effect of particularly aggressive foods and poor or incorrect mechanical oral hygiene strategies. With the buildup of plaque and tartar and thus increased bacterial growth over time, inflammation can worsen becoming gingivitis, long-lasting inflammation of the soft tissue near the teeth.
Failure to treat this disease accelerates the formation of bacterial plaque even below the gum line, where gum meets tooth, causing the most severe gum inflammation, periodontitis, which affects not only the gum but also the supporting tissues of the tooth: the alveolar bone and the periodontal ligament.
This pathology determines the progressive formation of periodontal pockets and the consequent detachment of the gum from the tooth, compromising the periodontium (gum-bone ligament system) irreversibly with the resultant loss of the tooth.
Proper and careful oral hygiene prevents gingivitis and aggravation, but oral hygiene is the first remedy even in an existing inflammation. Oral hygiene refers to the combination of daily and regular cleaning practices:
In the presence of significant inflammation, it is appropriate to treat the problem with a specific chlorhexidine mouthwash, possibly combined with a chlorhexidine toothpaste or gel or otherwise compatible with this type of treatment.
It is even more important to use an interdental brush and floss to remove any food debris during treatment.
Gum inflammation is often painless, which allows it to worsen in the absence of a prompt reaction. That's why it's essential to consult your dentist or hygienist in case of gum bleeding, which can reveal an ongoing inflammation.
Finally, it is essential to remember that a balanced diet and the elimination of smoking and alcohol contribute substantially to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
