Gingivitis refers to an ailment in the gums. It basically refers to the inflammation in the gums, causing the gums to become tender and swollen. In such a condition, the gums have a tendency of bleeding very easily even while brushing the teeth.

Gingivitis is generally caused due to plaque or food particles becoming ensnared between the gums and the teeth. The resultant bacterium causes the gums to get inflamed. If this condition is not treated on time, it could certainly lead to severe dental damage.

Gingivitis is a type of periodontal disease, which involves infection and inflammation of the gum that damages the tissues supporting the teeth, including the tooth sockets or the alveolar bone, periodontal ligaments and the gums.

Long-term effects of deposits of plaque in the teeth are one of the major reasons for causing gingivitis. Plaque refers to the sticky material in the teeth that is made up of mucus, food debris and bacteria, which develops over the uncovered portions of one's teeth. Plaque is the basic reason for tooth decay, if you do not remove it on a regular basis, and it forms into a stiff deposit known as tartar, which gets trapped in the base of your teeth. Both tartar and plaque inflame and irritate the gums. The toxins and bacteria produced by them causes your gums to become tender, infected and swollen.

Apart from these, injury or damage to your gums in any form, including forceful brushing or flossing of the teeth may result in gingivitis.

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing gingivitis such as:

- Bad dental hygiene

- General illness

- Pregnancy as changes in hormones could raise sensitivity of your gums.

- Uncontrolled diabetes

Prevention is the only way out

Preventing this condition from taking place is the best cure. It is something that could be easily avoided with a little bit of effort from your part. This involves the following:

- Good and regular oral hygiene is the most essential and the basic step towards preventing the disease. This is so because maintaining cleanliness of your teeth would remove the plaque and would not let it deposit at the base.

- You should at least brush your teeth twice a day and make sure that you gently floss them once everyday.

- For those who are susceptible to the disease are advised to floss as well as brush their teeth after each meal and also before going to bed.

- Special tools and appliances such as toothpicks, electric toothbrushes, water irrigation and other such devices are recommended by the dentists in particular for those who have a tendency of getting plaque deposited in their teeth.

- Anti-tartar and anti-plaque toothpastes along with mouth rinses also recommended by the dentists in severe cases.

All the above things are extremely important for your perfect dental hygiene. If the ailment becomes serious then you must visit your dentist before it is too late.