Gingivitis or Inflamed Gums– What is it?

Trench mouth, also known as necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG), is a severe form of gingivitis that causes painful, infected, bleeding gums and ulcerations. Trench mouth is rare today in developed nations, though it's common in developing countries that have poor nutrition and poor living conditions.

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gingiva; the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. It's important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. Gingivitis can lead to a much more serious gum disease called periodontitis and tooth loss. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink and fitted tightly around the teeth.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Swollen or puffy gums

• Dusky red or dark red gums

• Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss

• Bad breath

• Receding gums

• Tender gums

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form on teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues.

Gingivitis is common, and anyone can develop it.

Factors that can increase your risk of gingivitis include:

• Poor oral care habits

• Smoking or chewing tobacco

• Older age

• Dry mouth

• Poor nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency

• Dental restorations that don't fit properly or crooked teeth that are difficult to clean

• Conditions that decrease immunity such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment

• Certain drugs, such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) for epileptic seizures, and some calcium channel blockers, used for angina, high blood pressure and other conditions

• Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy, menstrual cycle or use of birth control pills

• Genetics

• Medical conditions such as certain viral and fungal infections

• Complications

• Untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease that spreads to underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a much more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss.

Chronic gingiva inflammation has been thought to be associated with some systemic diseases such as respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. Some research suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter your bloodstream through gum tissue, possibly affecting your heart, lungs and other parts of your body. But more studies are needed to confirm a link.

Trench mouth, also known as necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG), is a severe form of gingivitis that causes painful, infected, bleeding gums and ulcerations. Trench mouth is rare today in developed nations, though it's common in developing countries that have poor nutrition and poor living conditions.

This can be prevented by maintaining the following:

• Good oral hygiene.

• Regular dental visits.

• Good health practices.

By Dr Swagat Pranam Sharma

Also Read: Three Gems in the Heartland of Jhargram

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