Gingivitis means inflammation of gums. It happens when plaque or bacteria accumulates on the teeth. Plaque produces toxins, which irritates the gums. This can in-turn makes them red or puffy and sometimes causes them to bleed.
Gingivitis is actually a non-destructive type of disease, as at the initial stage it might not show any symptoms, but if it is left untreated then it can create more problems like periodontitis. This can cause problems like weakening of the tooth and even loss of teeth. So, the best solution to this is by maintaining good oral hygiene. All you need to do is regular brushing plus taking care of your gum line (which is the main reason for healthy teeth).
If you are worried about this disease, then Speakloud is one best online platform, which can share you some details about early symptoms of gingivitis. So, here are some signs for your knowledge:
- One major symptom being change in colour of their gums into red or purple.
- Some kind of swelling in gums. Sometimes they are soft or tender gums, which can be painful while brushing your teeth.
- Gingivitis can also lead to bad breath.
- This can also lead to bleeding of gums.
As soon as you notice the above signs, it is time to take your dentist appointment.
Your dentist will check for tartar or plaque. They may also consider doing x-ray or periodontal probing, using an instrument, which checks pocket depths around the tooth.
What are main causes for Gingivitis?
The main reasons for Gingivitis are accumulation of plaque on the teeth, which in-turn cause irritation on your gums too. Other causes of this are:
- Smoking or tobacco usage.
- No proper oral hygiene, which includes no proper brushing or flossing
- Stress and hormonal changes
- Poor nutrition
- Usage of medication
- Some chronic diseases which lowers the body’s immune system
What are the treatment and prevention of Gingivitis?
The best treatment to Gingivitis is to remove the plaque around the teeth. This work can be done well by your dentist who will use a tool to remove the plaque or tartar around your tooth. This is known as scaling. Your dentist may also recommend some follow-ups, which will include frequent cleaning too.
Later on, the following care needs to be taken by you at home:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Do flossing at least once a day
- Make use of anti-gingivitis toothpaste
- Rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
If the diagnosis happens early and the treatment is done on time then Gingivitis can be reversed successfully. However, if this treatment is not done on time then it can spread and affect tissue, teeth and bones. Hence, it is very important to take proper precautions and to avoid any delay in the treatment. The best part would be to ensure that you are maintaining proper hygiene at home to avoid this kind of problems.