Inflammation of the gingiva due to several provoking factors results in gingivitis and bleeding gums.The bleeding gums might reveals the underlying periodontal disease origin.
The gingiva is a resilient structure which covers the bony surface of the root . It is normally stippled in appearance. The colour of the gingiva ranges from coral pink to heavily pigmnented. The gingiva provides the protective action to the underlying tooth structures. The gingiva is divided in to free gingiva,attached gingiva,alveolar mucosa and muco gingival junction and interdental gingiva. Pathophysiology:
Local factors
Infectious gingivitis
Hypersensitive reaction
Nutritional gingivitis
Hormonal gingivitis
It has been found that the receptors in the cytoplasm of the gingival cells have a high affinity for both estrogens and testosterone. The receptors for estrogen are specifically present in the basal and spinous layers of the epithelium; whereas in the connective tissue, such receptors are found deeper in the fibroblasts and endothelial cells of small vessels. Hence, the gingiva is considered as an easy target organ for these steroid hormones resulting in bleeding.
The etiologic factors provoke the inflammatory reaction in gingiva.
Clinical symptoms:
Pain while brushing the teeth
Bleeding
Pain at the gums region
Exposed the root
Loosening of teeth
Red swollen gums
Mal odour
Receding gumline
Spontaneous bleeding on probing:
A probe which is called William probe is placed in the gingiva which results in bleeding
Blood test:
Blood count:
Total blood count such as RBC ,WBC, platelet are tested.
Clotting factor deficiency should be monitored
Pocket evaluation:
Assessment of pocket (the gap seen between the tooth surface and gums due to deattachment of gingiva from underlying structure)
Anatomical changes in the gingiva.
Brush the teeth : brush the teeth twice daily to prevent from food and debris accumulation in the teeth surfaces.Clean the surface of the tongue since debris debris accumulation is moFre in it.
Flossing: Flossing the teeth helps in eradication of the debris and plaque.
Swish with the mouth wash: using the mouth on regular use helps in reducing the bacterial load.
Take lots of fiber food as it helps in swishing away the bacteria
Always gargle with normal tap water after taking the food.