Gingivitis

Gingivitis: Take This Mild Gum Disease Seriously

Do you have red, sore gums that occasionally bleed when you brush your teeth? If so, you may have gingivitis — the mildest form of gum disease. Most people get gingivitis at some point in their lives, and mild symptoms make it easy to overlook. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore sore gums. Keeping teeth and gums healthy can help prevent periodontitis, a severe type of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, you can easily reverse gingivitis with proper oral care.

What Causes Gingivitis?

When you forget to brush or floss, you leave deposits of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food particles, around your teeth. Plaque releases acids that attack tooth enamel, causing decay. After 72 hours, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist. Tartar forms along the gum line, making it difficult to thoroughly clean teeth and gums. Eventually these plaque and tartar deposits irritate and inflame gums, causing gingivitis.

Can Gingivitis Lead to Severe Gum Disease?

Health experts used to think that if not treated, gingivitis would eventually develop into periodontitis, but research has shown that’s not necessarily the case. Whether a person develops severe gum disease depends in part on how that person’s body responds to the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Studies have shown that periodontitis may develop due to certain factors:

• Bacteria – of more than 400 species of bacteria that live in our mouths, only about 15 can cause severe gum disease
• Genetics – about 30% of people may be genetically predisposed to developing gum disease
• Uncontrolled diabetes –diabetes increases the risk for gum disease, possibly because people with diabetes are more prone to infection. Gum disease also makes it harder to control diabetes.
• Smoking – according to the American Dental Association, smoking may be the cause of almost 75% of periodontal diseases

Because there’s no way to know who might develop severe periodontal disease, it’s important to call our office  if you notice any sign of gum irritation.

What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?

Symptoms are often so mild that you can have gingivitis and not know it. Over time you may notice:

• Red, swollen, or purplish gums. Healthy gums should appear pink and firm.
• Bleeding gums; you may see blood on your toothbrush or when you spit out toothpaste
• Sore gums that are tender to the touch
• Mouth sores

If you think you may have gingivitis, start by looking at your oral health habits to figure out where you may have slacked off a little. For example, if you haven’t been flossing every day, try putting a reminder note on the bathroom mirror. If it’s been 6 months since your last dental appointment, call our office to set up a cleaning and exam. During the exam, one of our hygienists will use special instruments to remove tartar and plaque deposits and thoroughly clean your teeth. Gingivitis should improve within a week or so of cleaning as long as you brush and floss every day. Also ask Dr. Michel or one of our team members about the proper way to brush your teeth — brushing too hard or missing spots can lead to gingivitis.

How Can I Prevent Gingivitis?

For healthy teeth and gums, the American Dental Association recommends taking the following steps:

1. Brush your teeth 2 times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing once in the morning when you wake up and right before bed makes it easy to remember. Be sure to get a new toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Old, worn out toothbrushes won’t clean teeth as thoroughly.

2. Floss every day — not just when something gets stuck between your teeth. Daily flossing removes plaque buildup in places your toothbrush can’t reach. If you don’t like flossing, try interdental cleaners, which are picks or small brushes that fit in between teeth. It’s a good idea to ask one of our hygienists  how to use them properly so you don’t damage your gums.

3. Visit your dentist regularly for regular cleanings and oral exams. Once tartar develops, only Dr. Michel or one of our hygienist can remove it. Depending on your overall oral health and risk factors, you may need to come in for cleanings mor e frequently.

4. Eat a healthy diet and limit sweets and junk food. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches from food, releasing acids that attack tooth enamel and cause decay. Junk food and candy have a lot of extra sugar and starch, and avoiding them can keep your teeth and gums healthy.

5. If you smoke, quit. Not only is smoking bad for your heart and lungs, it’s bad for your teeth and gums. Smoking or using smokeless tobacco increases the risk for severe gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

Gingivitis may come back anytime you forget to floss or brush consistently, so sticking with good oral health habits will give you a lifetime of bright smiles. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can also reduce bacteria and help prevent gingivitis. Any questions or concerns, or if you think you might have gingivitis call our office for an appointment.