A New Smile Was the Best Investment of My Life

Gingivitis: What It Is And How To Stop It

23 March 2016

Oscar Allen

If not promptly resolved, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, which is a more serious form of gum disease. What causes gingivitis and is there a way to stop it from progressing?

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis—also known as gum inflammation—is the first stage of gum disease. If it progresses, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and eventually to tooth loss.

Gingivitis can be corrected at home without any special treatments, but proper oral hygiene must be observed in order to reverse the disease.  

What causes gingivitis?

Gingivitis occurs when plaque collects around the gum line and irritates the gums, causing the tissue to become inflamed.

What are the symptoms of gingivitis?

Here are a few symptoms associated with gingivitis:

• Tender, red gums
• Swollen gums
• Irritation
• Gums that easily bleed
• Gums that pull away from teeth, causing the teeth to look elongated
• Persistent bad taste in your mouth
• Bad breath
• Visible pockets of puss around gum line
• Loosening of teeth
• Pain while chewing and biting down

How can you avoid gingivitis?

This first stage of gum disease can be prevented or reversed through regular oral hygiene and lifestyle habits, such as those listed below:

Brush and floss daily.

Brush twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid further irritating gums that are already inflamed by the gingivitis.

In addition, floss daily with woven floss. It is softer than traditional string floss, and due to its mutli-strand construction, it may collect more plaque and food particles than its counterparts.

Stop smoking.

Cigarettes and other tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, increase the risk of gum disease due to the tissue inflammation it causes. In addition, tobacco products may cause oral cancer.

Watch your diet.

Avoid sugary and sticky foods which can increase the amount of plaque on your teeth. Food mixes with oral bacteria to form plaque, and the simple carbohydrates in junk food are regularly consumed by oral bacteria, causing the microbes to release more gum-inflaming acid. If you want to enjoy sweets, be sure to rinse your mouth afterwards with water to remove the sugary residue.

Be sure to see your dentist every six months.

During dental visits, as your dentist scrapes tartar accumulations from the teeth, he or she is also removing a hiding place for plaque and bacteria. The porous tartar can collect debris and bacteria along the gum line to promote gum disease.

To learn more about gingivitis and how it can be avoided, schedule a visit with a dentist in your area.  

Share