Many of the efforts made by your family dentist professionals will be to prevent forms of gum disease in the mouth, and one of the most common and well-known types here is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, one known to cause irritation and swelling, but it can quickly grow into much more serious forms of gum disease if it’s not noted and treated promptly.
At Bright Side Dental, our general dentistry services include prevention of every type of gum disease, including both gingivitis and other more serious types it might lead to. What are the common symptoms and causes of gingivitis, and how can you prevent it from forming to begin with? Here’s a primer.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Swollen or puffed-up gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing, eating or flossing
- Red or pink gums that are shiny in appearance
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
- Bad breath, which might be caused by the tartar accumulation on teeth at the gum line if gingivitis is not treated
- Receding gums
Causes of Gingivitis
Anyone can develop gingivitis, and its single most common cause is simple: Poor oral hygiene. This often leads to more specific events:
- Plaque forms on your teeth, including bacteria that’s attracted to starches and sugars.
- Plaque turns into tartar, which collects even more bacteria and is far more difficult to brush or floss away.
- Irritation buildup in your mouth from bad breath, tartar buildup and the bacterial infection itself releases toxins into your system and leads to inflammation.
- If gingivitis is not treated, it can quickly lead to more serious forms of gum disease, including periodontitis (gum disease that causes tooth loss),
Prevention of Gingivitis
If you notice any of the above signs of gingivitis, call our dental offices today for an immediate appointment. However, you can avoid this issue altogether with some basic prevention tips:
- Good oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, as well as after every meal
- Diet: Don’t eat sugary or acidic foods. If those are not options for you, brush immediately after consuming them.
- Healthy plaque removal: Brush gently around gum line to remove plaque. Use an interdental toothbrush or dental floss to help you get between your teeth.
- Don’t smoke: If you do, please stop — smoking greatly increases your risk of gingivitis and other oral health problems
- Schedule regular dental check-ups at Bright Side Dental for thorough cleanings and professional exams that go beyond looking at just your teeth.
For more on these or any of our other family dental services, speak to the staff at Bright Side Dental today.