Inflamed gums
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- Inflamed gums
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Development of inflamed gums.
Inflammation at the gum line is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Plaque is a soft, sticky, barely visible layer of salivary proteins and bacterial mass (biofilm) on the teeth. Plaque can calcify into tartar, which adheres firmly to the teeth. A new layer of plaque forms on top of this, and so on.
Symptoms of inflamed gums.
Inflamed gums aren't always clearly visible. Some symptoms that may occur include red, soft, and swollen gums and/or bleeding gums when brushing. A bad taste or bad breath can also indicate inflamed gums. Inflamed gums rarely cause pain.
Consequences of inflamed gums.
The inflammation at the gum line can spread toward the jawbone, causing the gums to detach from the teeth. The resulting space is called a deep pocket. Plaque forms in the space between the gums and the teeth. This plaque spreads the inflammation even deeper. The tissues are destroyed by the inflammation, and the jawbone is broken down. This causes the pockets to deepen. In the deep pockets, the plaque partially calcifies into tartar. This progressive inflammation, with the breakdown of tissues and jawbone, is called periodontitis. Once the jawbone is broken down, it cannot regenerate.
Preventing and curing inflamed gums.
Gum inflammation is preventable and treatable. Good oral hygiene is essential for this. Bleeding gums indicate gum inflammation. Don't ignore this sign; take action to restore your gums to a healthy state. Plaque is the cause of gum inflammation. Therefore, it's important to keep your mouth clean. Tools for cleaning your mouth include: (electric) toothbrushes, toothpaste, toothpicks, dental floss, interdental brushes, gauze, and/or a tongue scraper. Always consult your dentist or dental hygienist about which tools are most suitable for you.
Advanced inflamed gums: periodontitis.
Between the teeth and gums lies a space called a pocket. Healthy pockets are shallow and non-bleeding. Gum inflammation can spread deeper into the jawbone surrounding the teeth. These pockets can then deepen due to bone loss around the roots of a tooth. This is called periodontitis: an advanced inflammation of the gums and the supporting tissues surrounding a tooth.
Source: Dutch Association for PeriodontologyÂ
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Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities, such as crooked teeth and jaws.
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Yes, teeth whitening treatments performed by a dentist or with dentist-approved products are safe and effective.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and smile through treatments such as whitening, veneers, and bonding.
Home whitening options include whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, and custom-made trays prescribed by your dentist.