Gingivitis is among the most common conditions we encounter at Glow Dental. It is one of several types of gum disease and is something that most people will experience at one time or another. Gingiva is another word for gums, and gingivitis means “gum inflammation.”
The condition itself is not severe and is easy to treat. However, left unattended, it can progress to more severe forms of gum disease such as periodontitis. Therefore, it is crucial that you know the signs of gingivitis and take action sooner rather than later.
Causes and Symptoms of Gingivitis
The mouth is full of bacteria, mucus and other particles. All these form a film over the teeth called plaque, and this can harden into tartar. The more tartar you have, the faster it starts, and it can ultimately irritate the gums, leading to swelling, tenderness and bleeding.
If your gums feel tender and swollen, or they have a tendency to bleed when you brush your teeth, these are likely signs of gingivitis. Other common symptoms include bad breath and sensitivity to hot or cold food or drinks
Treating Gingivitis
The best defence against gingivitis is good dental hygiene. This reduces the likelihood of gum disease in the first place and helps to treat it before it gets serious. If your gums feel incredibly sore, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. It will be gentler on your gums but is still effective at removing plaque. You can also use regular mouthwash to reduce the bacteria in your mouth.
If the symptoms persist, book an appointment to see your dentist at Glow Dental. A full periodontal debridement will remove all the hidden tartar and give your gums the chance to recover properly. We might also recommend a particular type of mouth rinse that you can use for a few days to kill off any infection.
Extra Risk Factors With Gingivitis
The best defence against gingivitis is good dental hygiene. This reduces the likelihood of gum disease in the first place and helps to treat it before it gets serious. If your gums feel incredibly sore, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. It will be gentler on your gums but is still effective at removing plaque. You can also use regular mouthwash to reduce the bacteria in your mouth.
If the symptoms persist, book an appointment to see your dentist at Glow Dental. A full periodontal debridement will remove all the hidden tartar and give your gums the chance to recover properly. We might also recommend a particular type of mouth rinse that you can use for a few days to kill off any infection.
