Recognizing and Preventing Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque adhering to the teeth. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates the amount of adults with gum disease to be approximately seventy five percent. Periodontal diseases affect your oral health by causing infect and inflammation to the gums and also your tooth sockets.Gingivitis is a common form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is usually caused by plaque getting onto the tooth surface and beginning to solidify, which then turns the sticky, soft plaque into tartar. This tartar will cause the gums to become inflamed and over time can cause the loss of bone around your teeth.

Gingivitis has many warning signs but they are often neglected until the inflammation and pain of periodontal disease set in.Some symptoms to be aware of while watching out for Gingivitis are gums that appear shiny, gums that bleed even after a gentle brushing, gums that are tender to touch or are swollen. Some infected gums also exhibit sores .There are certain criteria that augment your risk of developing gingivitis, if you suffer from diabetes that is not being managed effectively , you are pregnant or have substandard dental hygiene you will be at an increased risk for contracting a periodontal disease.

The treatment of Gingivitis includes a comprehensive dental examination and cleaning . The dental hygienist will typically employ a technique called periodontal scaling. Periodontal scaling is the deep cleaning of your teeth. The dental hygienist will customarily use tools known as curettes or periodontal scalers to remove the hardened plaque from the root and crown of the patient's teeth.A periodontal scope will be used next to check the depth of the pockets surrounding the teeth. The deeper the pockets surrounding the tooth , the greater the chance of Gingivitis. In some instances the use of antibiotics such as Flagyl or Penicillin will be needed to treat the infection. Dentists often prescribe pain medications for the throbbing associated with periodontal diseases.

Engaging in excellent oral hygiene practices is the best way to prevent Gingivitis. Teeth should be brushed at a minimum of twice a day as well as flossed afterward. Since the buildup of plaque is the origin of Gingivitis , the focus should be placed on removing the plaque from teeth before it has a chance to solidify into dangerous tartar. Many dental hygienists and dentists will encourage the use of prescription mouth washes, anti plaque toothpaste and electric toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes have been shown in some instances to clean the tooth surface exceptionally compared to manual toothbrushes.

Sources:
Everydayhealth.com