Gingivitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Gingivitis is a global problem faced by a majority of people across the globe. The problem occurs due to poor dental hygiene practices. If you experience inflammation and some redness on your gums, the chances are that you are suffering from gingivitis. If you ignore this problem and let it go untreated, it can develop to a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This disease can lead to infections and destroy the soft tissue supporting your teeth. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment of gingivitis.
Causes
The most common cause of gingivitis is plaque accumulation on the surface of the teeth. Plaque is made up of bacteria, saliva and food particles. If plaque is not removed by daily dental hygiene measures such as brushing and flossing, it hardens into a deposit known as tartar. Tartar irritates the gum due to the action of bacteria, making them become inflamed. As much as poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of gingivitis, there are other causes which include:
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Crooked teeth
- Suffering from diabetes
- Broken fillings
- Pregnancy
- Old age
- Diet
- Medication
Symptoms
Gingivitis may progress painlessly, displaying some obvious signs and symptoms even in the advanced stages of the disease. As much as the symptoms are subtle, the disease is not without some warning signs. Here are some of them:
- Bleeding gums during and after brushing
- Bad taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath
- Shifting or loose teeth
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Changes in the way teeth from the upper jaw fit with teeth from the lower jaw upon biting down
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Pus between teeth and gums
Treatment
Gingivitis is treated by visiting the dentist for professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year, followed with proper dental hygiene. Brushing the teeth helps in eliminating plaque from the surface. Flossing helps remove food particles from between the teeth and areas where brushing cannot access. It is also important to use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in the mouth that can aid in gum disease.
It is also important to change some lifestyle habits such as smoking. According to statistics, smokers are said to seven times more likely to develop gingivitis compared to non-smokers. Also, maintain a well-balanced diet and avoid clenching.
Bottom Line
It is extremely important to follow daily oral hygiene. It will save you future complicated dental procedures; time wasted for numerous dental visits and worse losing your teeth. Visit us at Springvale Dental Clinic for routine dental examination and cleaning. Our dentists will be able to detect a dental problem early in advance and recommend appropriate treatment before the problem escalates.
Also, our dentists are well-trained and have years of experience. Therefore, you can be sure of top-notch dental services once you step into our doors. Schedule an appointment with us today, and we will be happy to help you keep that bright smile.
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