Gingivitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Are you worried that you may be suffering from Gingivitis? We're here to share the common symptoms you may experience. Read on to learn more!

Are your gums swollen? Do your gums hurt when you brush your teeth?

If so, you may have gingivitis. In essence, it's a mild gum infection. This is an ADA-recognized periodontal disease that can worsen your oral health if not addressed. It usually happens if you don't brush your teeth daily.

With minimal brushing also comes plaque accumulation. Further, this type of inflammation could indicate a larger issue. If you have gum issues, see a dentist. A professional can also recommend gingivitis products that will keep your teeth and gums healthy.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about gingivitis. Let's explore. 

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a periodontal disease that causes mild swelling of the gums. It may also cause irritation and redness. In particular, the swelling will take place around the gingiva. The gingiva is the gum area surrounding the base of your teeth.

The inflammation derives from bacterial build-up. The excess bacteria can irritate your gums. Plaque can also build between your teeth and foster an infection. 

Even though gingivitis is mild, it can lead to severe gum disease if left untreated. 

• Example: Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a severe type of gum disease. It degrades soft tissue and damages bones connected to your teeth. Periodontitis can also cause tooth loss. 

With that, gingivitis doesn't always lead to periodontitis. Gingivitis may indicate an excessive bacteria presence and nothing more. In most cases, the teeth remain rooted. Nevertheless, milder gum diseases can still loosen your teeth. 

What Causes Gingivitis?

The main cause of this disease is poor oral hygiene. If a person doesn't brush and floss regularly, plaque can build around the gums. In other cases, the primary culprit is oral bacteria.

Brushing and flossing mitigate bacteria levels. Further, your immune system will combat oral bacterial infections. 

Sub-standard oral care causes excess bacteria to form, causing gum disease. In addition to bacteria and plaque, other factors can cause gingivitis, such as:

• Smoking/Tobacco: Smoking suppresses your immune system's ability to combat oral infections. Moreover, tobacco use stifles the healing of your gums. In severe cases, smokers can lose their teeth. 
• Alcohol: Alcohol causes dehydration. Dehydration forces your body to produce less saliva, leading to oral complications. Studies also show that heavy drinkers can harbor more harmful bacteria than mild drinkers.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases a hormone called progesterone, which enhances blood flow to the gums. When this occurs, your gums become sensitive. Pregnant women may notice tenderness or bleeding when brushing their teeth. 
• Stress: Stress hampers your ability to generate immune cells. Fewer immune cells mean you're more vulnerable to oral infections. Plus, stress causes inflammation to flourish, leading to gum degradation. 
• Poor Nutrition: Diets consisting of high sugar and carbs cause higher plaque formations. Further, a lack of Vitamin C intake suppresses healing mechanisms in your body. Additionally, low water consumption leads to dry mouth and less saliva production.
  

Overall, gingivitis symptoms include:

• Swelling: A portion of your gums may be enlarged or puffy. 
• Bad breath: Bad breath occurs as plaque builds within your mouth, causing harmful bacteria to fester.
• Receding gums: Receding gums may cause pain around the gum lines.
• Bleeding gums: Bleeding usually happens as you brush your teeth

As such, contact a dentist if you notice any of the signs. 

You should also brush your teeth thoroughly and floss extensively to prevent further damage. Failure to recognize the warning signs can cause the teeth to pull away from the gums. As a result, bacteria can thrive in small pockets below the teeth. 

What Is the Treatment Process?

Gingivitis treatment involves the following measures:

• Professional care: Dentists use techniques called debridement and scaling and root planing to address gingivitis. These procedures involve the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. They will also remove any food residue that's causing tartar/plaque formation. 
• Mouthwash care: Use a dentist-recommended mouthwash to reduce mouth bacteria. Quality mouthwash brands may contain zinc, which is a useful aid against bad bacteria that dwells in the mouth. A dentist can recommend the best mouthwash brands to use.

Routine maintenance: After cleaning, your dentist will also recommend a dental plan that can prevent future infections.

How Can I Prevent Gingivitis?

You can prevent gum inflammation with the following steps:

1. See a dentist routinely: You should see a dentist every six months or 12 months. Regular dental cleanings will reduce plaque and tartar formation. Dentists can also spot early warning signs of gingivitis.
2. Clean your teeth daily: Take care of your teeth between dentist visits. You should brush a minimum of two times a day. Also, floss at least once a day. 
3. Take care of your body: Your gums will be unhealthy if your body is unhealthy. Therefore, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly to prevent serious diseases, such as diabetes. Diabetes, and other long-term health issues, can compromise your gum health. 

It's worth noting that you shouldn't overbrush your teeth. Over Brushing could wear away the enamel coating on your teeth. 

Should I Panic If I Have Gingivitis?

You shouldn't panic if you have gingivitis. Various gingivitis treatment options will address the problem sooner rather than later. In many cases, gingivitis isn't severe. 

If you ignore the signs, however, the problem will worsen. You're at greater risk if you don't brush your teeth daily. Overall, gingivitis symptoms include swollen gums, bad breath, receding gums, and bleeding gums.   

StarBrite Dental in Rockville, MD offers gingivitis treatment and prevention services. Click here to contact us today.