• Inflammation of the gums is usually caused due to poor oral hygiene.

• It is a very common disorder and occurs in about 9 in 10 adults.

• The colour of healthy gums are pink or brown and they are firm.

• In gingivitis, the gums become purple red, soft, and shiny and bleed easily, especially when brushed.

• The condidental plaque (a deposit of food particles, muscle, and bacteria) where the gum meets the base of the tooth.

• Intake of some drugs, such as phenytoin (and some immunosuppressants) may worsen it.

• Because of them overgrowth of the gums is noticed which makes the removal of dental plaque more difficult.

• Some contraceptive drugs can also make the symptoms worse.

• Because of the dramatic changes in the hormone levels pregnant women are particularly susceptible to gingivitis.

• If gingivitis develops suddenly, it is called as acute narcotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) or "trench mouth."

• ANUG is prevalent in teenagers and young adults.

• The condition sometimes develops from chronic gingivitis and is caused by an abnormal growth of the bacteria that normally exist harmlessly within the mouth.

• ANUG is occurs in the people who are stressed or run down as in people with AIDS.
   

• The symptoms of gingivitis develop gradually and usually include purple-red, soft, shiny and swollen gums

• Gums bleed when brushed.

If treatment is neglected, the gum eventually pulls away from the tooth, causing a pocket to develop between the tooth and gum in which more dental plaque can form.

The inflammation spreads due to bacteria in the plaque. Eventually, chronic periodontitis or receding gums may develop. In severe cases, one or more teeth may be lost. 

Symptoms of ANUG usually develop over 1-2 days and include:

• Bright red gums covered with a grayish deposit.
• Crater like ulcers on the gums.
• Gums that bleed easily.
• Bad breath and a metallic taste in the mouth.
• Pain in the gums.

As ANUG progresses, the lymph glands in the neck may enlarge and cause fever.
 

• Your dentist will probably scale your teeth to remove the plaque and calculus (hardened plaque).

• The procedure involves usage of an ultrasonic scalar to remove the calculus and scraping away at resistant areas with a hand tool.

• The teeth are polished after scaling.

• Regular follow-up visits to the dentist is a must, to monitor the condition of your gums.

• Using a mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide, which aids cleaning and help curb buildup of plaque is recommended by the dentist.

• If you have ANUG, your dentist will clean carefully around all the teeth.

• Antibiotics and an antiseptic mouthwash is also prescribed by dentist. Analgesics may be prescribed to relieve pain.

• Once your gums gradually return to normal, gingivitis can be prevented by adopting good oral hygiene.