infection
Gingivitis Causes
Gingivitis Causes
Gingivitis, an inflammation and infection of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth, is also known as pyorrhea.
It has various causes. The most frequently occurring cause is the plaque. Plaque is actually bacteria which constantly form soft, sticky and colorless film over the teeth and on the gums. If this film is not removed properly it can result in the production of toxins which cause inflammation of the gum tissues.
Normally there are bacteria in our mouths. When the sugars and starches in our food interact with these bacteria, plaque forms. A normal brushing of teeth can remove this plaque, but plaque has a notorious reputation of restoring again within 24 hours. When plaque stays on the teeth for 2 – 3 days, it becomes hard and turns into tartar. This tartar sticks firmly under the gum line and becomes very difficult to remove. A great reservoir for bacteria, tartar cannot be removed by just brushing and flossing, a professional cleaning by the dentist is required.
If plaque and tartar stay for too long on your teeth, they cause irritation in the gum area around the base of the teeth – known as gingiva – resulting in the swelling and bleeding of gums. So it is better to visit a dentist as soon as you develop gingivitis, before things get worse. Besides the plaque, there are several other causes which contribute towards gingivitis. One of them is the injury or trauma caused to the gums. The injury may be due to vigorous brushing and flossing of teeth. Moreover, poor oral hygiene also leads to gingivitis. It is advised to brush teeth at least 2 – 3 times a day and to floss regularly. Anyone with uncontrolled diabetes can also develop gingivitis. Inadequate eating habits, vitamin deficiencies, reactions to medications which tend to reduce saliva in the mouth, smoking and vitamin deficiencies are some of the notable causes of gingivitis.
Apical Periodontitis
Apical Periodontitis
Apical periodontitis is an inflammation of the teeth’s supporting structures around the apex of the tooth. This inflammation is caused by a tooth infection and results in the destruction of bone and root apex of the tooth. If properly treated and the reason for inflammation is removed, then periodontitis can be cured.
Apical periodontitis can be caused by infection, trauma or a root canal treatment. Out of these, infection is the most common. Bacteria contribute in the tooth decay and as a result cause the inflammation of the tooth’s pulp, called pulpitis, and eventually cause the pulp to die. If not properly treated, the inflammation extends towards the root canal and thus causes apical periodontitis.
Another cause of apical periodontitis is trauma. If there is any direct blow to the tooth, the tooth’s pulp dies and becomes infected with bacteria; finally resulting in apical periodontitis. Biting on a hard object and putting undue pressure on the teeth during a dental treatment are also some of the causes of apical periodontitis. Moreover, during the root canal treatment, mechanical dental instruments or chemicals used in the root-filling materials might cause this condition too.
Apical periodontitis is divided into acute and chronic apical periodontitis.
Acute apical periodontitis is characterized by a spontaneous onset of moderate-to-severe pain, persisting for a longer time. The pain gets aggravated when the teeth bite into something. It can be treated by either extracting the infected tooth or by doing the root canal treatment. These methods remove the source of infection and drain out the infection.
Chronic apical periodontitis occurs if the acute apical periodontitis is not healed completely or was not properly treated. The tooth becomes very sensitive; even the slightest touch or tap on the infected tooth is very painful.
Chronic apical periodontitis is treated in a similar way as the acute apical periodontitis i.e., tooth extraction and the root canal treatment.
Having a good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing teeth properly, using mouthwash, avoiding injuries or blows to the teeth and gums, and avoiding biting too hard on food are some of the preventive measures. Moreover, regularly visits to the dentist also pay off.
