What is Gingivitis?
As dental health professionals, we make it a point to help our patients maintain their oral health, and a large part of that means protecting against gingivitis.
But why? What is this condition and why is it so detrimental to our oral health?
In this blog, we’ll cover gingivitis in detail to answer these questions, and offer helpful tips on what to do if you’ve developed it, and how to prevent yourself from getting it in the first place.
What is it?
Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease that causes inflammation of the gingiva — the gum tissue surrounding the base of your teeth. Though it’s a milder form of gum disease, if left untreated it can develop into periodontitis, a serious oral health condition that can lead to tooth loss and even damage to your bone structure.
Signs of gingivitis
Red, swollen, itchy, tender or inflamed gums
Bleeding gums while flossing or brushing teeth
Receding gumline (gums that have pulled away from the teeth)
Puss between the teeth and gums
Tooth sensitivity or pain while chewing
Loose or shifted teeth
Halitosis (bad breath)
Contact your Lethbridge dentist right away if you have any of these symptoms. It’s crucial to act fast if you suspect you’re suffering from gingivitis (or periodontitis), so we can help get you back in peak oral health.
What causes gingivitis?
You can’t see it with the naked eye, but, there’s a small gap where your gums attach to your teeth. It’s this space where bacteria - specifically plaque - can settle in, and wreak havoc with your oral health.
Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that gathers on the surface of your teeth, and when it’s not properly cleaned away by regular tooth brushing, flossing and routine dental visits, it can harden into tartar.
When tartar develops, it is rife with bacteria - not to mention it’s much more difficult to remove than plaque - which increases your risk of infection all through those tiny pockets between your teeth and your gumline causing gingivitis.
What happens if you leave gingivitis?
Like most oral health concerns, it’s wiser (both physically and financially) to address them sooner than later.
If left untreated, gingivitis can cause your gums to separate from your teeth, which can lead to injuries of the soft tissue surrounding - along with the bones supporting - your teeth. As mentioned above, periodontitis can develop, which can lead to tooth loss and even long-term damage to your jaw bone.
How to treat gingivitis
After consulting with your dentist in Lethbridge, together, you’ll determine an action plan.
During the initial visit, your dentist might check for inflammation by probing your gums with a gum-depth measurement tool. This will also help them determine how deep the pockets (which should be around one to three millimetres) in your gums have developed. You may also need to get dental X-rays to ensure your bone is still intact.
Once the state of your gums has been determined, your dentist may recommend:
A deep clean of your teeth and gums
Antibiotic medication
A visit to a periodontist (a specialist in gum diseases)
Surgery
How to prevent gingivitis
There’s plenty you can do to avoid the discomfort and the cost of gingivitis. All it takes are a few healthy habits — many of which you probably already do!
To help keep your oral health in peak condition, be sure to:
Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
Brush your teeth (with fluoridated toothpaste) at least twice per day
Floss every day
Visit the dentist for routine teeth cleanings and periodontal maintenance
Get proper-fitting dental appliances (such as night guards)
Fix broken or crooked teeth as soon as possible
Keep those teeth (and gums) squeaky clean
Gingivitis can become an issue if not dealt with sooner than later. However, keep in mind, even if you do develop it, there’s so much you can do to treat it safely and effectively. The best way to keep those teeth and gums healthy is to take the proper precautions in the first place and stick to those healthy habits.
Book a Teeth Cleaning and Periodontal Maintenance Appointment today!