The gingiva (gum) is the protective type of
skin that is closely adapted to the necks of the teeth and covers the
bone holding the roots of the teeth. There is a shallow ditch like
space that separates the margin of the normal gingiva from the tooth
surface. This space is 2mm in depth and is called gingival sulcus. It
is one of the places that a dentist will carefully examine to detect
the presence of gum disease.
Healthy gingiva is usually coral pink, but may contain physiologic
pigmentation. In general, darker persons have darker gingiva; but in
some individuals there can be excess of pigments that give the gingiva
a brownish tinge.
Characteristics of healthy gingiva
1.Color
Healthy gingiva usually has a color that has been described as "coral
pink." Other colours like red, white, and blue can signify inflammation
(gingivitis) or pathology. Although the text book color of gingiva is
"coral pink", normal racial pigmentation makes the gingiva appear
darker. Because the color of gingiva varies due to racial pigmentation,
uniformity of color is more important than the underlying color itself.
2.Contour
Healthy gingiva has a smooth arcuate or scalloped appearance around
each tooth. Healthy gingiva fills and fits each interdental space,
unlike the swollen gingiva papilla seen in gingivitis or the empty
interdental embrasure seen in periodontal disease. Healthy gums hold
tight to each tooth in that the gingival surface narrows to
"knife-edge" thin at the free gingival margin. On the other hand,
inflamed gums have a "puffy" or "rolled" margin.
3.Texture
Healthy gingiva has a firm texture that is resistant to movement, and
the surface texture often exhibits surface stippling(Orange peel
appearance). Unhealthy gingiva, on the other hand, is often swollen and
mushy.
4.Reaction to disturbance
Healthy gums usually have no reaction to normal disturbance such as
brushing or periodontal probing. Unhealthy gums on the other hand will
show bleeding on probing (BOP) and/or purulent exudate (pus
CAUSES OF GUMS DISEASE.
Gum disease, is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria. These
bacteria produce toxins that irritate the gingiva, and also directly
infiltrate into the gingiva causing them to become inflamed and bleed
easily. The inflammation of the gingiva is known as gingivitis. If the
irritation persists, the gingiva separates from the tooth and form
pockets. Plaque then forms within these pockets and eventually destroys
the gingiva and the underlying bone. The teeth may then become loose
and fall out or need to be removed. There are other factors that may
contribute to gum diseases. They are as follows·
1.Plaque traps-Decayed teeth, broken or ill fitting dentures, crowded
or crooked teeth, improper filled teeth may provide secure areas for
plaque to form, from where it cannot be removed by routine oral hygiene
methods. ·
2.Systemic factors-Individuals with diseases such as Diabetes, leukemia
or people who are on certain medications may be particularly prone to
gum diseases, because their resistance to this disease has been lowered
and/or that their gums become increasingly sensitive to any local
irritation.
The following raise your risk for developing gingivitis:
1.General illness
2.Poor dental hygiene
3.Pregnancy (hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the gums)
4.Uncontrolled diabetes
Symptoms of Gingivitis:
1.Bleeding gums (blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the
teeth)
2.Bright red or red-purple appearance to gums
3.Gums that are tender when touched, but otherwise painless
4.Mouth sores
5.Swollen gums
6.Shiny appearance to gums
Treatment:
If long standing inflammation is the cause of bleeding then removal of
the source of bacteria will result in improvement of the situation. If
the source is mild to moderate in collection. Proper maintenance of the
teeth by the patient is more than sufficient. If the source is moderate
to severe in collection then professional help is required. Serious
systemic problems might have to be treated to correct bleeding from
these diseases. Repair of misaligned teeth or replacement of dental and
orthodontic appliances may be recommended. Any other related illnesses
or conditions should be treated.
Homoeopathy
Homoeopathy will help in treating these cases along with hygiene
maintenance. The medicines is selected on the basis of the symptoms
presented by the patient and causative factors with the help of
miasmatic analysis.
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