Gingival disease
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gingival disease is a term used to group the diseases that affect the gingiva (gums). The most common gingival disease is gingivitis, the earliest stage of gingival-related diseases. Gingival disease encompasses all the conditions surrounding the gums; this includes plaque-induced gingivitis, non-dental biofilm plaque-induced gingivitis, and periodontal diseases.[1]
Gingival health that is not well cared for is usually connected with inflammation of the gums. This leads to gingivitis, which is linked to two categories:[2]
- Dental plaque biofilm-induced gingivitis
- Non-dental-plaque-induced gingival disease
Dental plaque biofilm-induced gingivitis is often called "localized inflammation initiated by microbial biofilm accumulation on teeth". Non-dental-plaque-induced gingival diseases are the most uncommon bacterial infections of the gingiva. Here is each category classification based on the Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions in 2017:
Gingival Classifications
- Dental plaque biofilm-induced[3]
- Associated with dental biofilm alone
- Mediated by systemic or local risk factors
- Drug-influenced gingival enlargement
- Non-dental-plaque-induced[3]
- Genetic/ developmental disorders
- Specific infections
- Inflammatory and immune conditions
- Reactive processes
- Neoplasms
- Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases
- Traumatic lesions
- Gingival pigmentation
As gingivitis progresses further and is not treated, it may progress into periodontitis. Periodontal disease is when the gums surrounding the teeth become swollen, causing the surrounding plaque to build up. Left untreated, it can cause the teeth to become loose due to weak gums. Periodontal disease can compromise factors such as:[4]
- Gingiva
- Periodontal ligament
- Dental cement
- Alveolar bone
Causes
Dental plaque accumulates at the surfaces when proper cleaning and maintenance are not done. There is inflammation due to the bacteria released from the toxins. Calculus forms, and if not removed, causes this disease.[5] In most cases, the cause of gingival diseases such as gingivitis is due to poor oral hygiene. This is the most common cause of gingival diseases. Though other factors included are:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Female hormonal change
- Cancer treatment
- Epilepsy drugs
