The mouth and the whole of its composition including the teeth is a very sensitive part of the body. It is for this reason that common teeth problems should be taken seriously as they can have a very adverse effect on the mouth. One of the common teeth problem plaguing many individuals around the world is gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a known mild gum disease that causes some swelling, irritation and redness of the gingiva, a part of the gum that surrounds the base of the teeth. Gingivitis is a disease that should be taken seriously and treated as promptly as possible as it can lead to even more severe gum disease known as periodontitis or on worst case scenarios cause tooth loss.
Most of the people with gingivitis do not even realise they have the problem. This is because very few people know the symptoms of this severe disease. The known symptoms of gingivitis are swelling, bleeding gums, redness, and pain on the gums. There are also few individuals who have severe gingivitis characterised with bad breath.
Knowing the symptoms of gingivitis is important but what is even more important to know is the cause. Knowing that cause of gingivitis can help prevent gingivitis before it starts or before it worsens if it has begun already. Poor oral health causes most of the teeth conditions, and it is the number one cause of most teeth conditions plaguing many individuals around the world.

Bacterial accumulation in between teeth

The most commonly known cause of gingivitis is an accumulation of plaque in and around the teeth. This accumulation of bacterial plaque around the teeth triggers and immune system on the teeth and in turn eventually leads to the destruction of the gingival tissues. If the bacteria accumulation worsens the complications and can lead to teeth loss of the affected.
The Dental plaque is a biofilm that is supposed to accumulate naturally on the teeth, and it is formed by the bacteria trying to stick to the teeth’s smooth surface. These dental plaques cause tooth decay and other teeth conditions such as chronic periodontitis and gingivitis.

Plagues that turn into tartar

One of the methods of gingivitis treatment and precautions is the removal of the plaque on the teeth. However, if the plague is not carefully and professionally removed from the teeth, the accumulated plaques cause accumulation of tartar. Tartar is a yellow component that forms at the base of the teeth, near the gums. Tartar cannot be easily removed, and its removal needs the services of a professional dentist. This is because the tartar collects the plague making it very hard to remove.
When gingivitis is not treated early, it can lead to severe gum disease that progresses to the underlying tissues and to the bone causing periodontitis which is an even serious condition that leads to tooth pain and tooth loss. The chronic form of gingiva is thought to be associated with respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease.

Some researchers in the medical field suggest that the periodontitis bacteria can get into the bloodstream through the gum tissues and affect the heart, lungs, and other vital parts of the body. However, this has not been confirmed, and more research has to be done to prove the theory.