A little pink in the sink can be alarming, but it’s not a big deal right? So now you ignore it but now you’re noticing your gums are inflamed and discolorated. These are all symptoms of gingivitis. If you find yourself in this situation just know that you’re not alone, the majority of adults will experience gingivitis at some point in their lives. It is a type of gum disease that usually only manifests as minor symptoms. If the underlying reason is not addressed, it could worsen and become more serious.

Over 50% of individuals have gingivitis, according to population surveys and research conducted in the United States.

You did everything right, you brushed and floss your teeth twice a day so what caused this?

The buildup of bacterial plaque in and around the teeth is the most frequent cause of gingivitis. A biofilm called dental plaque naturally builds up on teeth. When bacteria adhere to a tooth's slick surface, it happens.

At the base of the teeth, close to the gum line, this plaque can harden into calculus or tartar. It is a light yellowish-white color. Calculus may only be removed by dental specialists.

Plaque and tartar buildup can cause immunological reactions that result in the breakdown of gingival or gum tissue. Later on, it might result in other issues including tooth loss.

Plaque buildup or a person's risk of gum inflammation can be influenced by a number of underlying diseases and environmental factors:

• Hormone changes: These can take place throughout puberty, menopause, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. Increased sensitivity of the gums could increase the risk of inflammation.
• Cancer, diabetes, and HIV are a few conditions associated with an increased incidence of gingivitis.
• Drugs: Treatments that lower saliva production may have an effect on a person's dental health. 
• Drugs for angina and the epilepsy treatment Dilantin can both produce irregular gum tissue growth, which raises the possibility of inflammation.
• Smoking: Compared to non-smokers, regular smokers are more likely to acquire gingivitis.
• Age: Gingivitis risk rises as we get older.
• Gingivitis runs in families, so people who have had it before are more likely to get it now.

Usually, complications can be avoided by treating gingivitis and adhering to the dentist's recommendations.

However, if gum disease is not treated, it can spread and harm bones, teeth, and tissue.

Complications include current gingivitis trench mouth when bacterial infection results in gum ulcers, abscess, or infection in the gingiva or jaw bone periodontitis — a more serious condition that can cause the loss of bone and teeth

If left untreated it can also lead to periodontitis. The inner layer of the gum and bone pulls away from the teeth in a person with periodontitis, creating pockets. These tiny crevices between the gums and teeth harbor debris and can develop an infection. As the plaque spreads and enlarges beneath the gum line, the body's immune system battles the germs.

The body's "good" enzymes that fight infections and the bacteria in plaque release toxins or poisons that begin to deteriorate the bone and connective tissue that support teeth. As the illness worsens, more bone and gum tissue is lost, and the pockets get deeper. When this occurs, teeth become loose and are no longer held firmly in place, which leads to tooth loss. Gum disease is the main factor for tooth loss.

You can treat gingivitis at home with adequate oral hygiene if diagnosis occurs early and therapy is fast and appropriate, it is vital that you receive dental treatment as soon as possible. Find out more about how to treat gingivitis here.

However, a person may want to seek professional assistance if symptoms persist or the issue has an impact on their quality of life, schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Polan.