If you have seen a bit of blood in your sink when brushing, that bleeding can be one of the signs that you may be having gum disease. The mild variety of this sickness is gingivitis. For a better understanding, gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease which is caused by the buildup of plaque—a naturally occurring bio-film containing bacteria.
After eating and drinking, this bacterium can accumulate, leading to the infection of the gums known as gingivitis. When your gums are infected, the surrounding bone and teeth are also affected. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a severe form of gum disease known as periodontics, which is a major cause for tooth loss in adults.
The good news is that when identified early gingivitis is reversible.
How do I tell if I have gingivitis?
It is possible to find and treat a disease if you know what to look for. Gingivitis is often painless, and surprisingly, not many people even know they have the ailment. However, here are some red flags you might consider:
- Tender Gums
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Discolored gums– Healthy gums are firm and pale pink and fitted tightly around the teeth
- Gums that get smaller
- Wiggly or shifting teeth
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
If you notice these symptoms, it is crucial you seek medical care from a dental professional to prevent the condition from getting worse.
Tips for gingivitis prevention
The bottom line in treating and preventing gingivitis is reducing the accumulation of plaque as much as possible. Here are simple ways to prevent gingivitis:
Good oral hygiene
This means brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day and at least flossing once a day. Brushing and flossing help reduce the buildup of plaque and bacteria, which may heighten your chances of getting gingivitis.
Eat healthy
A common cause of most of the diseases in today’s world is a poor diet, gingivitis being no exception. Proper nutrition helps your body fight off infection such as these. However, continuous consumption of starchy foods like candy and bread leave behind sugars that are a breeding ground for bacteria, which may later lead to gingivitis.
Visit your dentist regularly
Regular professional cleaning and routines at the dentist can help control most oral health issues. Apart from keeping your mouth clean and healthy, a dentist may spot symptoms of gum disease that you may not.
Contact us
At Bright Smiles, providing high-quality dental services for the local community is at the core of our daily work. If you have any questions regarding oral health, you can reach us on 07 54 919 177. Our dedicated team of experts is always ready to help.