General Health Information

Gingivitis is usually caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates in
the small gaps between the gums and the teeth and in tartar that forms
on the teeth. These accumulations may be tiny, but the bacteria in them
produce foreign chemicals and toxins that cause inflammation of the
gums around the teeth. This inflammation can, over the years, cause
deep pockets between the teeth and gums and loss of bone around teeth
otherwise known as periodontitis. The sudden onset of gingivitis in a
normal, healthy person should be considered an alert to the possibility
of an underlying viral aetiology, although most systemically healthy
individuals have gingivitis in some area of their mouth, usually due to
inadequate brushing and flossing. Preventing gingivitis
can be through regular oral hygiene that includes daily brushing and
flossing. Rigorous plaque control programmes along with periodontal
scaling and curettage also have proved to be helpful.