General Dentistry |2 min read

Gingivitis – What You Need To Know And How To Prevent It

Are your gums sensitive when you brush or floss your teeth? Do they bleed every time you visit the dentist? If this is the case, you could have gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums due to plaque or bacteria buildup on the teeth. If the plaque is not taken care of, it can lead to more severe conditions, including periodontitis. This disease can lead to tooth loss.

gingivitis

Signs and Symptoms

The most common sign of gingivitis is bleeding and swollen gums. Other signs are bright red, tender gums, bad breath, and receding gums. A great sign that you have plaque buildup on your teeth is if your gums bleed while brushing and flossing.

Plaque is bacteria that accumulates on your teeth. The bacteria try to stick to the smooth surface of the tooth. These bacteria lead to the destruction of gum tissue. These bacteria can help control other organisms from reaching your teeth, but too much plaque can cause tooth decay, gum infection, and periodontitis.

When you do not remove plaque, it can turn into tartar. Tartar is a yellow color, and only professionals can remove it from your teeth. The plaque and tartar can irritate the gums and cause them to bleed easily.

Other Causes

Changes in hormones can cause gingivitis. The most common cause is pregnancy. Cancer, diabetes, and HIV can cause more plaque buildup. Certain medications, smoking, age, poor diet, and family history are all other factors that may lead to gingivitis.

Treatments

When you visit your dentist, they will exam your teeth and gums to help determine the best treatment for you. Treatments are needed immediately and can is reversible. Proper care at home is required to treat gingivitis. That includes brushing teeth at least twice a day using an electric toothbrush, floss at least once a day, and rice with mouth wash daily.

Our local dentists have helped many people when it comes to dealing with gingivitis. We strive to pinpoint a problem before it begins. If you notice your gums are more sensitive, inflamed, and bleeding schedule a visit with us today. We want to sit down and explain how you can prevent gingivitis before it becomes a problem.

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