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Is your gums red, swollen or bleeds when brushing or flossing? It may be a sign of gingivitis that should be addressed. Gingivitis occurs because plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth and cause infection to the gums. Let’s talk about what you should look out on gum diseases symptoms and how to we can manage and deal with gum problems.
Causes of Gingivitis can come from..
Gingivitis and gum are different. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums in the early stages, which can be cured if taken care of properly. Gum disease or periodontal disease is a more severe condition caused by letting gingivitis spread to the stage where it affects bone layer below tooth. Therefore, it is important to watch out for and deal with gingivitis at an early phase to avoid gum disease .
Common causes of gingivitis include below.
Oral hygiene
If teeth is not properly brushed, flossed or cleaned, plaque builds up between the teeth and gums that can lead to gum inflammation.
Smoking
Smoking weakens gums and makes it more susceptible to infection.
Stress
Stress can affects your immune system that in turn weakens gums.
Diabetes
People with diabetes has a higher risk of gingivitis.
Hormonal changes
During pregnancy, adolescence or menopause, hormonal surges may make you more vulnerable to gum disease due to increased estrogen and progesterone where more blood flow to your gums. This in turns causes gums to become more sensitive.
Managing Gingivitis
Here are some steps to manage and treat gingivitis that corresponds to managing causes of gingivitis :
- Brush and Floss Properly : Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in small circles at least twice a day. This removes food particles and plaque build up.
- Use Mouthwash : Rinse your mouth with mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide.
- Eat Healthy Foods : Focusing on vegetables and fruits and a healthy diet high in vitamins can boast your immune system.
- Quit Smoking : Getting rid on smoking habit not just helps your gums but also has an overall positive impact on your health.
1. Teeth cleaning, scaling and polishing
At an early stage if gums start to swell, has slight bleeding or become red, visit your dentist for a professional clean and scaling to remove tartar and calculus.
2. Deep cleaning or root planning
If gingivitis reaches a moderate to severe stage, gums swelling and redness become more obvious. Your gums may also bleeding more easily with pain. Your dentist may then recommend to clean and scale under your gums called deep cleaning if done in quadrants or root planning for single tooth. The frequency with which your dentist may advises you to make appointments for deep cleaning or root planning may be every 1, 3 or 6 months.
3. Tooth extraction
Your dentist will try to get rid of bacteria infection in gums and safe teeth where possible. However if gum disease is left untreated and progresses to severe periodontitis whereby damage to the bone and tissues that support your teeth teeth becomes irreversible. Tooth at the area becomes loose and may require tooth extraction.
Comparison between Gingivitis Treatment Options
Benefits for teeth cleaning, scaling, polishing
- Simple, quick and non-invasive solution
Limitations for teeth cleaning, scaling, polishing
- Treatment option for mild gingivitis detected at early stage
Benefits for deep cleaning
- Most common treatment used to treat gum diseases
- Helps prevents further gum recession
Limitations for deep cleaning
- Will likely need to be monitored, repeated and gum health maintained
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Conclusion
Gingivitis is a common problem. But it can be prevented and treated easily. If we take care of our oral health regularly, brush our teeth properly, floss, and visit our dentist as scheduled, it will help us have good oral health.
Don’t forget, good dental health starts with ourselves. Let’s start taking care of it today!
References
- “Hormones and Dental Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know” | https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/womens-hormones-and-dental-health
- “What causes gingivitis” | https://www.healthline.com/health/gingivitis
