While you know it’s crucial to take care of your teeth, it’s also important to take care of your gums, as they safeguard and help defend your teeth. One of the most common forms that can affect your gums is gingivitis, which is a disease that can lead to inflammation and other dental health issues.
In this article, we explore what gingivitis is and review five signs that could indicate you have this gum problem. So, stay connected with us and keep reading, as your dental health and shining smile are important to us:)
WHAT IS GINGIVITIS?
Gingivitis, also called periodontal disease, is the first stage of gum disease and it can make changes in your tissues such as
- Redness
- Irritation
- Inflammation
If you ignore these symptoms and are left untreated, it can worsen and extend into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease, which can lead to painful symptoms even if you lose your tooth.
Causes:
Poor hygiene is one of the most common causes of gingivitis, which facilitates plaque buildup on your teeth. However, other factors can cause the development of gingivitis as well, such as
- Eating poor diet
- Taking certain medicine
- Using tobacco
5 SIGNS OF GINGIVITIS
There are several signs of gingivitis. If you recognize any of these signs, seek dental help immediately. The earlier you get treatment, the easier the treatment will be possible, and the better your chances will be of stopping your condition from resulting in periodontitis. Here are 5 of the most common signs you should know.
Bad Breath
Sometimes you may have bad breath from eating acidic foods, like garlic, and if you forget to brush your teeth after taking these kinds of foods, it may result in bad breath. However, chronic bad breath is often a sign of dental problems, such as gingivitis. Gum infection makes it difficult for your breath to smell good.
Bleeding Gums
If you floss or brush too hard, you may experience a small amount of bleeding, coming from your gums, but it can go away rapidly. However, if your gums bleed easily during normal flossing or brushing, it may be a sign of a more severe problem.
Puffy or Swollen Gums
Pale pink color, firm, and smooth gums indicate healthy gums. In gingivitis, your gums become
- Swollen
- Irritated
- Tender
These are signs of gum infection, and if you observe them, you should set an immediate appointment with your dentist.
Receding Gums
Your gums hold your teeth and create a protective seal around their bottom, preventing bacteria from reaching the roots. One sign of gingivitis is receding gums, which can cause additional damage to both your teeth and gums.
Teeth Loss
If you have lost a tooth, it’s always crucial to get it checked out by your dentist. Teeth loss can be a sign of gum disease, as an infection in your gums can eventually lead to gum tissue loosening.
Prevention
What Should I Do If I Identified These Warning Signs of Gingivitis?
While noticing red or bleeding gums can be alarming, it’s significant to remember that gingivitis is the first and most treatable stage of gum disease. There are several treatment options for gingivitis, such as
- Root planning (also called deep cleaning)
- Scaling
In this two-step procedure, your dentist starts by using a special tool called a scaler to eliminate plaque and tartar from underneath the gum line. Next, the tooth root is smoothed out during root planning to assist in reattaching the gums. To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure they will use local anesthetics.
Although scaling and root planning are very helpful, deeper periodontal pockets may need further treatment, including injected medication therapy. Antibiotics or other medicines are delivered directly into the impacted area to target the infection more accurately.
Additionally, to root planing and scaling and injected medication therapy, you can continue to support healthy gums by:
- Flossing daily
- Brushing your teeth two times a day
- Taking antibiotics (if your dentist prescribed) to treat infections
- Visiting regular dental cleanings
- Using mouthwash
If you notice any of these signs of gingivitis, immediately set an appointment with your dentist for accurate treatment and to restore your gums to health.
