Gingivitis is a type of gum disease that can come from plaque moving along the tooth and accumulating on the gums. The inflammation caused by toxins found in this sticky film leads to red or puffy gums or bleeding gums. You may not notice any discomfort initially, but over time this inflammation leads to more severe complications like periodontal disease and chronic conditions such as bad breath and loss of teeth.
Plaque is the most common infectious agent, and it’s responsible for many issues, including gingivitis. It can lead to tooth decay, weakened tooth enamel, and eventually cavities.

Is gingivitis contagious?

Is gingivitis contagious? When it comes to the answer to this question, most experts agree that it is complicated. Once in the mouth, gingivitis-causing bacteria can spread in the same way that cold sores or staph infections are passed from one person to another. However, many dentists fundamentally disagree with this view and instead believe that these bacteria only stay in the mouth when they enter it.

One in five children by the age of 3 years old have gingivitis-causing bacteria in their mouths, and this is up to 26 times more likely if their mothers also have that same strain of bacteria in their mouths. These infections can occur because adults who live together or who share food or drinks may develop similar types of bacteria in their mouths. Contact with saliva from kissing or another direct or indirect physical contact also can transfer these bacteria to each other.

The causes of gingivitis

• Smoking

Smoking is one of the greatest risk factors associated with gum disease. Research shows that smokers are seven times more likely to suffer from gum disease than people who don’t smoke. The nicotine found in cigarettes can lead to decreased production of blood cells, which may lower the chances for successful treatment.

• Poor oral hygiene

A lot of people don’t realize that one of the most common causes of gingivitis is not brushing or flossing regularly. Gingivitis is an infection of the gum, which can eventually lead to tooth loss and other problems. If you want to avoid any irreversible oral health issues, make sure that you’re brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

• Stress

Stress is your body’s response to any demand – but it can also be one of many causes of gum disease! When you’re under constant stress, your immune system is weakened, and this means you don’t have as much protection against infection. Stress can also affect your sleep patterns or lead you to eat unhealthy foods – both of which are bad for your oral health.

• Hormonal changes

Hormonal shifts for females because pregnancy or monthly menstrual cycles can cause hormonal changes, that make gums more susceptible to gum disease.

• Poor nutrition

Lack of nutrients in the body makes it more difficult for our bodies to fight off infections. Poor nutrition deprives the body of good nutrients like Vitamin A, which is linked with teeth and gum health.

• Chronic conditions

Chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cancer, can be tricky to diagnose and control. And because these conditions increase your risk of other health problems, including gum disease, you need to tell your dentist and hygienist if you have any chronic conditions.

The danger of gingivitis

Gum disease is often called an “infectious disease” due to its high probability of being transmitted between people. One study shows this risk factor for stroke, which is two-three times higher in those with gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two other factors that contribute to cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes.

Gingivitis, a form of periodontal disease that affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth, is caused by bacteria. In another study, researchers found that this same bacterium is also present in the esophagus of 61 percent of patients with esophageal cancer. The connection between oral health and other serious illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes makes it an important area to examine. One in four Americans don’t brush their teeth twice daily, and almost half of adults age 30 and older have gum disease.

Gingivitis stages

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

Is gingivitis curable. How long to reverse it?

Gum disease is a serious problem that can lead to tooth loss and even heart problems. Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and often doesn’t show any symptoms, but it can be cured with good oral hygiene as brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. You should make an appointment for routine dental cleanings so we can remove the harmful plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and give you the healthy mouth you deserve

Healthy gums form habits that will protect your oral health in the long run. Sure, there’s no “quick fix” when it comes to gum issues, but there are healthy habits you can adopt that will help keep your teeth healthy for years to come. What are these habits? Glad you asked! Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, avoid sweet and sticky snacks, use dental floss every day, limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.

Gingivitis reverses with just about two weeks of diligent care, but the process of eliminating it takes some work.

Reverse gingivitis. How to cure gum disease without a dentist?

Many people ask how to reverse periodontal disease naturally, there are more than one home remedy for infected gums such as:

• Gingivitis saltwater

If you’re not careful, gingivitis can be the result. This is a mouth disease that causes inflammation in your mouth and inflamed gums. One of the best ways to treat this condition is by rinsing your mouth with salt water, which contains antimicrobials that help fight off infection and remove toxins from your body while also being gentle on oral tissues. It’s a natural way to maintain oral health and keep your mouth feeling fresh!

How to make it?

• Take a glass of warm water to help the salt dissolve well, any type of salt is available
• Mix 3/4 of salt with your warm water, then swirl it around your mouth then spit the solution out
• Repeat up to two or three times daily

• Aloe vera mouthwash

Aloe vera is a characteristic cure that can be utilized as a substitute for customary mouthwash. Customarily, individuals use it to relieve sun-related burns and other skin aggravations. A recent report found that aloe vera was pretty much as powerful as the dynamic fixing in conventional mouthwash at treating gum disease side effects.

• Turmeric

Turmeric is an antioxidant that has traditionally been used to treat all sorts of inflammatory conditions, so it’s no wonder this spice also offers benefits when applied directly to the skin. Recent studies suggest that a turmeric-based gel may help prevent plaque and gum disease.

Essential oils for gingivitis

Clove essential oil

Tea tree essential oil

Cinnamon essential oil

Clove and tea tree oil are two essential oils with antibacterial properties for treating gum problems. Clove is a potent natural antiseptic when it comes to the bacteria responsible for gingivitis, while the tea tree is effective at fighting against white blood cells that promote inflammation in the mouth. Cinnamon is also a great alternative for this type of treatment because of its antimicrobial potency, which helps fight against the bacteria responsible for gum disease and stimulates blood circulation to the gums, thus promoting healthy gums.

Check also my article about how to stop bleeding gums naturally