Gingivitus: What It Is & How to Fight It

Gingivitis is the inflammation of gums and occurs with the build up of bacteria and plaque. 
The inflammation causes irritation, redness and swelling and can lead to periodontitis. 
If untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

Image result for gingivitis


So now that you know what the general scope of gingivitis is, let's take a look at some of the signs of this gum disease.


 "What are some signs of gingivitis?"

  • bright red or purple gums
  • tender gums that may be painful to the touch
  • bleeding from the gums when brushing or flossing
  • halitosis, or bad breath
  • inflammation, or swollen gums
  • receding gums
  • soft gums

 Many of these symptoms can be avoided by simply taking good care of your oral health by brushing, flossing and rinsing twice a day. Just sticking to this routine can help reverse the effects of the early stages of gingivitis and gum disease. Be sure to schedule 6-month dental check ups and cleanings to ensure that your teeth and gums are getting the care they need. 

   Image result for dental cleaning



"What if I have Gingivitis? Who do I go to?"

 The most important thing to do is to NOT ignore these symptoms - these aches and pains are a warning sign that they need to be taken care of and if ignored, can develop into advanced stage gum disease such as periodontitis. Once these signs emerge, head straight to your dentist and get your mouth examined. Gum disease can be prevented in the early stages, so it is important to deal with the warning signs as soon as they are spotted. 

As for treatment, your dentist may suggest an improved daily at-home care regimen depending on the complications and what stage your gum disease is in. Treatment may include fixing damaged teeth and extra teeth cleanings. An at-home care regimen may include brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush, flossing once a day, and regularly rinsing with an antiseptic mouth wash.

Image result for appointment dental

So in conclusion...

BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY AND FLOSS REGULARLY! It's easier to prevent gum disease rather than try to deal with it after it's been diagnosed. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Got Sensitive Teeth? 5 WAYS to Tackle the Sensitivity!

Image
Do your teeth feel sensitive or tingly after eating a cold treat? Are you getting a tingly sensation in your teeth when you drink a hot  beverage? If so, you may have sensitive teeth - this more common than you think and is not something to freak out about.  According to MouthHealth.org, " In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin." Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity. "Okay, so I know I have sensitive teeth, but what caused it?" Sensitive teeth can be
Read more

Erosive Tooth Wear

Image
You know how rocks can erode over a period of time? Well, guess what - teeth can do that too! Dental erosion is the loss or wear of dental hard tissue by acids not caused by bacteria. Think you've had an excessive amount of tooth wear and erosion? Read on and find out!   What Are the Causes? Erosion can happen from introducing gastric acids into the oral cavity - in other words, acids that come into contact with teeth will cause tooth erosion. Acid reflux and excessive vomiting can contribute to this, as well as carbonated sodas, sports drinks, and soft drinks.  Connections between chronic alcoholism, pregnancy and bulimia can increase the risk of tooth erosion due to the high possibility of excessive vomiting caused by those conditions. Other extrinsic causes include industrial and occupational risks that are found while working in factories and/or frequent swimming in poorly monitored chlorinated swimming pools. Airborne industrial acids have been found especiall
Read more

The Mouth Guard YOU Need to Stay Safe This Season

Image
Football season has arrived and it's time to bundle up and watch all the games! It's easy to forget that amidst the fun and cheers, the star players need to be protected as well. No doubt are there sports related injuries that can affect a player's physical and mental health. So in preparation, we've gathered some prevention tips for any of your friends or family that may be out on the field this year!             What can I do to prevent injuries involving my mouth? Players should be wearing mouth guards. Also known as mouth protectors, mouth guards are used to help cushion a blow to the face and are especially helpful when playing on-contact sports such as football, boxing, and hockey. They typically cover the upper teeth and help to also protect your tongue, lips, and teeth from immediate contact. What type of mouth guard should I get? This depends solely on what you feel comfortable with, but we recommend getting one custom-made from your dentist as th
Read more