Do you have swollen, red or gums that bleed while brushing your teeth? If you present any of those symptoms you may suffer from gingivitis, the first stage of the gum disease that starts with the inflammation of the gums.
Gingivitis is one of the phases of gum disease, which is divided into three different stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is the less serious of the phases, but if not treated right it can evolve into a more severe stage, periodontitis. If you notice an inflammation or any other sign that can indicate that you have this disease, take action and start treatment. As the first and less severe of the stages, gingivitis is easier to treat and revert without causing permanent damages to your gums or teeth.
How do I know if I have gingivitis?
Tender, swollen, red and bleeding gums are the first signs that show a problem of gingivitis. Noticing that gums have pulled away from the teeth, having persistent bad breath and the apparition of bags between teeth and gum are other signs that can let you know if you suffer from this disease.
How is gingivitis caused?
Gingivitis appears when there is not a good oral hygiene, usually when remains of food that weren’t well removed with the brush or floss get trapped in between the teeth and gums or when the plaque (bacteria) that forms on the teeth expands under the gum line, this causes inflammation and causes the apparition of bags. Also, people who smoke or chew tobacco and who suffer from diabetes are more likely to have gingivitis.
Gingivitis treatment
As gingivitis is the less serious stage of all the gum diseases, it can be easily treated taking additional care of the oral hygiene.
To determine how advanced the gingivitis is you should visit your dentist, who will check the depth there is between the space of the gum and your teeth. In most of the cases, it can be necessary to perform a deep and professional cleanse, once the plaque turns into tartar it is harder to remove and only the dentist or the hygienist can do this with the help of their tools.
Then your dentist should give you some advice on how to adopt more hygienic habits that will help you prevent the accumulation of bacteria on your gums. In case you’re diabetic you should take even more care in order to avoid this disease and if you smoke or chew tobacco, it is recommendable that you quit this habit.
Prevention
Avoid suffering from gingivitis taking in count the following tips:
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Make sure the way you’re brushing your teeth is correct. Ask your dentist to show you how you’re supposed to use the toothbrush and floss properly to remove the remains of food and plaque.
- Use an antibacterial toothpaste.
Remember that Gingivitis is the less serious stage of the gum disease and if treated at the right time it can be healed without leaving any marks, so do not let it get worse and start your treatment right now.
