Gingivitis: Symptoms and Treatment

Gingivitis affects millions of people. It is a very common and mild form of gum disease that causes swelling of the gums. Because the early symptoms can be so mild, many people are not aware that they have the condition.

As a rule of thumb, most dentists tell their patients that if their gums are swollen and or bleed when they are brushed, they probably have gingivitis. This doesn't mean that every time you see a little bit of blood you have gum disease. Only your dentist can properly identify and diagnose gingivitis.

Maintain Healthy Gums

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. This can be corrected with regular brushing and flossing more than once daily. Recommended brushing is three times per day but twice a day will suffice in most situations.

What do healthy gums look like? Healthy gums are a pale pink color and are firm. They do not move easily off of the teeth and do not bleed when brushed or when a person is eating. The gums hold the teeth firmly in place even when pressured by food or other objects like a toothbrush.

Maintaining healthy gums is relatively easy. Brushing your teeth and flossing at least twice a day is necessary. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly.

Gingivitis is not painful in the early stages and is the number one cause for adult tooth loss in the United States. For this reason, it is important that going to the dentist as soon as you notice a change in your gums or notice that your toothbrush is pink or red after brushing your teeth.

Sometimes the gums will turn a dusky red color and are puffy. Most people with gingivitis also have bad breath, an embarrassing but common symptom of the disease. The sooner you seek care from a dentist, the better your chances of reversing the effects of gum disease and its progression to more serious problems.

Plaque Removal

Plaque is what sticks to the teeth and needs to be brushed off and flossed out. This is a sticky white substance that forms on the teeth when sugars and starches in food interact with the bacteria in the mouth. The longer that the plaque remains in the teeth, the more it can irritate the gums. Remember that brushing once a day is not sufficient because plaque can re-form quickly.

Maintain Oral Health

Although poor oral health is the biggest concern and one thing that can be prevented as a risk factor, there are other risk factors as well. Some of them are tobacco use and poor nutrition. People that have a dry mouth are also at risk. Health conditions such as diabetes, HIV, AIDS, pregnancy or hormonal changes, and old age are also risk factors.

Although anyone at any age can develop gingivitis, many people begin with the disease during puberty and then it is present in varying degrees throughout their life. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to adult tooth loss. Recent studies have shown that there may be a link between gingivitis and stroke, heart disease, type two diabetes, and premature births.

Your dentist can help control all issues in the mouth. Speak to your dentist if you are showing any early signs of gingivitis and start treatment immediately. As with most diseases, prevention and early treatment are best.