When puberty meets gingivitis

Adolescence is the most important period in a teenager's life. Physiologically, the hormone secretion in teenagers is vigorous and the body develops rapidly; psychologically, teenagers gradually form their own personality and behavioral habits. Therefore, during this period, both oral health and behavioral habit cultivation are particularly important for teenagers' lives.

What is adolescent gingivitis?

Adolescent gingivitis refers to chronic nonspecific gingivitis that occurs in adolescents. This inflammation is more likely to occur on the cusp papilla and gingival margin on the labial side of the front teeth, and less likely to occur on the lingual gingiva. The labial gingiva is obviously swollen, so when these symptoms appear, most people will not pay attention to them and simply think that it is caused by inflammation.

Main causes:

1. Local irritation factors: Dental plaque is the main cause of adolescent gingivitis. Due to the lack of good oral hygiene and cleaning habits, dental plaque accumulates on the surface of teeth, irritating the gums.

2. The influence of hormonal changes: During puberty, the body produces more sex hormones (mainly estrogen and testosterone). The gums are the target organs of sex hormones. These hormones increase blood flow to the gum tissue, making the gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation. Therefore, even a slight accumulation of dental plaque can lead to a serious inflammatory response.

3. Teenagers at this stage often have uneven teeth after tooth replacement, mouth breathing, and wearing orthodontic appliances, which makes it difficult to clean their teeth. If good oral hygiene habits are not maintained, it is more likely to cause plaque retention and cause gingivitis.

Typical symptoms of adolescent gingivitis include:

1. Swollen and red gums

2. Your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth

3. Gum sensitivity or discomfort

4. Most of them have the characteristics of gingival hyperplasia

5. Bad breath

Treatment :

When symptoms of gingivitis appear in the mouth, most people will not pay attention to it and simply think it is caused by inflammation. The treatment of adolescent gingivitis is to remove plaque and tartar through scaling, and gingivectomy is used in severe cases.

1. Topical anti-inflammatory drugs

2. Use ultrasonic dental scaler or manual scaler to remove soft plaque and tartar attached to the surface of teeth, reducing local irritation

3. Patients with excessive gum hyperplasia need to undergo surgery to remove part of the gums.

4. Develop good oral hygiene habits and master the correct brushing method to prevent recurrence.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing and controlling gingivitis during adolescence. Teens are advised to:

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste

2. Floss between teeth every day

3. Use mouthwash regularly to reduce bacterial accumulation

4. Replace your toothbrush regularly to ensure the effectiveness of the bristles

5. Teenagers who wear braces should buy a special orthodontic toothbrush

Healthy eating habits and lifestyle:

1. Reduce your intake of high-sugar foods and drinks to reduce the risk of dental plaque

2. Increase your intake of foods rich in vitamins C and D to strengthen gum health

3. Avoid smoking and alcohol, which can have a negative impact on oral health

Regular dental check-ups **:**

Teens should have regular dental checkups. Dentists can help identify early oral health problems through professional exams and cleanings, and provide treatment recommendations.