Gingivitis, a word commonly heard at the dentist’s office and in the ’90s on dental rinse commercials. Many people don’t have a true grasp on what gingivitis actually is or does to their oral health. It’s in our hands as dental professionals to share this information with our clients so that they can avoid this dreaded oral health issue. Today we are going to help you identify the signs of gingivitis, the severity, and the root cause.

What causes gingivitis:

Gingivitis is plaque build-up at the gums and it causes the gums to inflame and recede. Ultimately most people have had small cases of gingivitis in their lifetime. It’s important to keep the cases small and prevent them from returning.

What are the signs: 

Bleeding gums can be from over brushing, but did you know it is also an early detector for gingivitis? If you’re also experiencing tender and swollen gums, you can definitely consider that a red flag. This is your body sounding an alarm. If you’re at a more severe level, you may also experience bad breath or a bad recurring taste. The best you can do for your oral health at this point is to book an appointment with your dentists so that it can begin to be treated.

What can happen:

If gone untreated, gingivitis can increase in severity and potentially cause tooth loss or serious oral diseases. When your dentist gives you recommendations during your appointment, it is important to follow them because if not followed your poor results could be permanent. Flossing may seem like a chore, but if you do not do it, it can lead to serious oral issues, including gingivitis.

How to treat gingivitis: 

Whether you have had confirmation on your diagnosis or suspect you may have gingivitis, we want to assist you with some treatment options. First, make sure that you book an appointment with one of our dental professionals at Bells Corners Family Dentistry. We want to monitor your progress and treatment so that the gingivitis does not get out of hand and evolve into a larger oral health issue. Second, make sure you have an improved oral healthcare routine in place. Your entire mouth is full of plaque, not just your teeth. You can help eliminate that plaque and bacteria by implementing a dental rinse into your routine. Last but not least, make sure that you floss exceptionally well. There is a strong chance that your lack of flossing led you to develop gingivitis.

Now that you have a better understanding of gingivitis, we want you to keep it in mind when taking care of your oral health. If you think you may be overdue for a checkup, please do not hesitate to book an appointment with us. We are here to answer any questions you may have.