Gingivitis is a moderate form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes unusual redness, swelling (inflammation), and irritation of the gingiva. Are you wondering what gingiva is? It is the area of your gum that surrounds your teeth. Gingivitis should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible. You need to realize that it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious gum disease that can result in tooth loss.
Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be prevented and reversed by practicing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis.
As you might have figured out from the title, in this blog we are going to discuss gingivitis in detail. Go through the sections to find an answer to all related questions.
Basic Symptoms Of Gingivitis
The best dentists in Winchester have come up with the common signs of gingivitis. There are various stages of gum disease. Now the first stage can get initiated without you noticing it. Therefore, looking out for the basic symptoms of gingivitis is very important. We have listed them in the pointers below:
- Tender and inflamed gums
- Reddishness in the gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Receding gum line
- Foul breath
In case of any of the above-mentioned signs, do not hesitate to get in touch with a dentist.
What Causes Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, which encourages plaque to build on teeth, causing inflammation of the gum tissues. Plaque can cause gingivitis in the following ways:
- Formation of plaque – Plaque is an impenetrable, sticky coating that forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria ordinarily found in your mouth. Plaque must be removed on a daily basis since it re-forms quickly.
- Plaque hardens into tartar – Plaque that sticks to your teeth can solidify into tartar (calculus), which accumulates bacteria beneath the gum line. Tartar makes plaque removal more difficult, produces a protective barrier for microorganisms, and irritates the gum line. To get rid of tartar, you’ll require professional dental cleaning.
- Inflammation of the gingiva – You need to know that plaque and tartar irritate the gingiva, the area of your gum that surrounds the base of your teeth, and cause inflammation the longer they stay on your teeth. Gums get swollen and bleed easily over time. Tooth decay (dental caries) is another possibility. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis and tooth loss if not addressed.
Tips To Prevent Gingivitis
Any sort of dental problem can be prevented with the right amount of care and effort – gingivitis is no exception. Some of the effective tips to avoid such an issue are:
- You should definitely maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed, is required. It’s also crucial to floss at least once a day. Brush after every meal or snack, or as directed by your dentist. Flossing before brushing assists you to remove any loose food particles or microorganisms.
- Cleanings should be done every six to twelve months by your dentist or dental hygienist. You may require professional cleaning more frequently if you have risk factors for periodontitis, such as having a dry mouth, using certain drugs, or smoking. Dental X-rays are used to detect problems that aren’t visible during a visual dental examination and to track changes in your dental health.
- Gum health is also influenced by habits such as proper diet and blood sugar management if you have diabetes.
We hope that you now know what gingivitis is and the tips to prevent such an issue. If you are looking for the best periodontal therapy in Winchester, VA, and the surroundings, book an appointment at Smiles Of Virginia. Get the best quality dental care in a friendly and comfortable set-up.