How to Treat and Prevent Gingivitis

How to Treat and Prevent Gingivitis

Brittni Devlin |Aug 18, 2021

Gingivitis Symptoms to Be Aware Of

A happy, healthy smile is not just about keeping your teeth white, shiny and straight; overall gum health is incredibly important in terms of oral hygiene. In order to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, you should schedule regular dental check-ups, and brush and floss daily.

There are a few different diseases that attack the gums. Arguably, the most common form of gum disease is gingivitis. We have all seen this term referenced in commercials and by our doctors and dentists, but what actually is this condition? Learning more about gingivitis symptoms will help you take charge of your oral health and prevent uncomfortable conditions.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a frequently occurring type of gum disease. The disease manifests as redness and inflammation of the area of gums closest to your teeth.

The disease progresses over time, starting with mild symptoms but slowly worsening to more severe problems. While everyone experiences the disease a little differently, there are some key symptoms associated with gingivitis

In addition to discolored and inflamed gums, gingivitis also leads to bad breath and bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis may turn into something much more serious, and can even lead to tooth loss.

Luckily, paying attention to the symptoms of gingivitis and addressing them as soon as you can helps prevent the disease from ever getting too serious.

The main cause of this disease is poor dental care. When people have a lot of plaque, it eventually turns into tartar which irritates the gums and acts as a breeding ground for bacteria.

What Are the Warning Signs of Gingivitis?

The early stages of gingivitis are mild pain and redness on your teeth. You may notice that your gums are sore to the touch or are a little puffy when you try to apply pressure to them.

When you brush your teeth normally with early gingivitis, you may notice some blood when you spit into the sink. Bad breath may also be an early sign of the disease.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out if you fall into any of the risk populations more likely to succumb to this condition. Such vulnerable groups include smokers, people over 40, immunocompromised patients (such as those with HIV/ AIDS, leukemia, or are undergoing chemotherapy treatment) drug use, hormonal changes, or a family history of gum issues.

How to Diagnose Gingivitis

Formally diagnosing gingivitis is a task you should leave up to your dentist. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice any of the symptoms. Treating the condition early is key to getting the best recovery possible.

A dentist can detect signs of gingivitis by a simple oral examination.

How to Treat Gingivitis

One of the most effective methods to treat gingivitis includes making some lifestyle changes. Cutting out a lot of sugar or acidic foods from your diet helps keep your teeth intact. Additionally, making sure you properly bush your teeth is vital for beating and avoiding a lot of oral health problems.

Going to the dentist and having them professionally clean and remove plaque from teeth is also recommended. Your bi-yearly professional cleanings are helpful, but not enough to keep your gums healthy. You need to do some work at home and take time out of your daily schedule to prevent gingivitis from occuring in the first place.

Can You Prevent Gingivitis?

Preventing gingivitis is the best way to avoid any gum issues. Luckily, leading a healthy lifestyle is often enough to help keep your gums in tip-top shape.

Practicing good oral hygiene is one of the most crucial things you can do. Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day (in the morning and right before they go to bed). You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes each session and be sure to effectively hold and maneuver your brush. Flossing once a day is also a great way of keeping your mouth happy and healthy.

In fact, practicing general good health, in general, is beneficial. Managing your blood sugar and having a healthy diet is great when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Finally, visiting a dentist is incredibly important. You should visit your dentist at least once every 12 months, every six months if you can manage it. They can help monitor your gum health so you can track any changes and notice if anything is out of sorts.

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