Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease. A kind of periodontal disease that causes irritation, swelling and redness on your gingiva – a part of your gum based around teeth. Hence, it’s a dental disorder that must be taken into consideration.
Gingivitis can cause further infection without treatment. Number one cause is poor oral hygiene. As we all know, good oral health habits, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental check-ups help keep healthy gums and teeth.
You will know if you have one if you experience the following symptoms:
- swollen gums
- having unhealthy red shade of gums
- bleeding of gums while brushing
- bad breath or halitosis
- receding and tender gums
Healthy gums are firm and pale pink and fitted tightly around the teeth. Gums are often affected when a person practices bad oral hygiene, such as these factors:
- poor oral care habits
- smoking or chewing tobacco
- older age
- dry mouth
- poor nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency
Here are also other factors of having gum inflammation:
- Dental plaques formed in your teeth. This invisible and sticky film is composed of bacteria that forms on your teeth after eating foods that are rich in sugar and starches.
- Plaque turns into tartar if you failed to brush it regularly. Once it stays on your teeth, it hardens under your gumline.
- Gingiva becomes inflamed. Courtesy of dental plaques and tartar, your gingiva becomes flawed and unhealthy.
To avoid and not having gingivitis here some ways to prevent gingivitis
- Good oral hygiene– that means having a two-minute brush with your teeth twice on a regular basis. You can do this morning and night or every after meal. Flossing helps you improve gums, too. It removes food particles and also bacteria.
- Regular dental visits– see your local walk in dentist, or dental hygienist regularly. Normal people see their dentists twice a year. However, if you have symptoms of gum problems, it pays to seek professional aid immediately.
- Good health practice- this means you exercise balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking and alcohol drinking. Reduce your sugar-intake as well especially if you have an existing diabetes concern.
Your dentist can help you with your oral health. In fact, he can give referrals to a gum specialist should your concern is out of his specialty.