Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gums.
Gingivitis is common, and anyone can develop it. Many people first experience gum problems during puberty and then in varying degrees throughout life.
Gingivitis can be mild so you may not be aware that you have the condition.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:
Swollen gums
Soft, puffy gums
Receding gums
Occasionally, tender gums
Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss, sometimes seen as redness or pinkness on your brush or floss
A change in the color of your gums from a healthy pink to dusky red
Bad breath
It’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly as untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease that spreads to underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a much more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss. Studies have shown that Periodontitis may also adversely affect your overall health.
Diagnoses of gingivitis is based on symptoms and an examination of your teeth, gums, mouth and tongue. Your dentist will look for plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and check your gums for redness, puffiness and easy bleeding. If it’s not clear what has caused your gingivitis, your dentist may recommend that you get a medical evaluation to check for underlying health conditions. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Good oral health habits, such as drinking lots of water, proper diet and of course brushing at least twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily are essential.
Stay tuned for our next blog article featuring treatment for Gingivitis.
Contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinci@davincisdentalcare.com for all your questions on Gingivitis and how to treat it effectively.