Gingivitis is an entirely treatable condition that your dentist will see every day. It starts as gum tissue inflammation but can progress to periodontitis. If you let it get to that point, you can lose teeth, have infected gums, and a range of other oral issues.
The leading player in gingivitis is plaque. The bacteria in your mouth gets together with the food you eat, especially sugar, and creates a layer over your teeth. If you don’t brush twice per day, that plaque hardens and forms a protective barrier for the bacteria in your mouth. If you don’t act fast or see your dentist for regular cleans and check-ups, that plaque build-up can turn into gingivitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Many people don’t know they have gingivitis, because the early stages are painless and subtle. As it worsens, more symptoms come to light. You might have swollen gum tissue that’s tender and red, and your gums might even bleed. With pockets of bacteria and food between your teeth, you may also have bad breath.
It’s not uncommon with gingivitis for your gums to change color. They may appear redder or slightly purple. If you have any of these symptoms, see your local Yokine dentist. They can help you to come up with a plan going forward.
How to Prevent Gingivitis
Considering the prevalence of gingivitis in the general population, you would think that prevention is a complex task that takes up a lot of time. It isn’t.
Purchase a soft-bristled brush and brush twice per day. Alternatively, use a dentist-recommended electric toothbrush. Follow up brushing with flossing, which involves a push and pull motion for as much plaque removal as possible. Then, use an approved mouth rinse to get rid of those final particles that still linger in your mouth.
With a daily oral hygiene routine in place, don’t forget to make an appointment with your dentist twice a year for check-ups. Your dentist can clean those hard-to-reach teeth you may miss. On top of oral health care regimes, you may also like to pay attention to your calcium intake. Calcium is good for your bones as well as your teeth, as is vitamin B12.
Even though poor oral hygiene is one of the leading risk factors for gingivitis, there are other reasons you may be at risk. Smoking, poor nutrition, substance abuse, fungal and viral infections, low immunity, and diabetes may also increase your chances.
If you think you may have early stages of gingivitis, make an appointment with your dentist. They can clean your teeth and identify any other problems that might occur. Don’t forget to see them twice a year to keep your teeth in tip-top shape.
