Ok, so you've heard of gingivitis and you most likely know that you do not want to get it, but you may not know exactly what it is. As a Vancouver dentist I am asked regularly about what gingivitis is, the right way to avoid it and what can be done if you already have it.
Gingivitis is an extremely common oral health issue and is a mild form of gum disease. This mild gum disease causes inflammation, redness and irritation of the gums. As gingivitis can be very mild, many of us in truth have gingivitis and are totally ignorant of the fact. Although somebody can have gingivitis without knowing, this does not mean it should be taken lightly.
If not treated, gingivitis can progress into much more heavy gum disease. The gum disease can spread to the underlying tissue and eventually even spread to the bone, which can in extreme cases cause tooth loss.
Luckily , good oral health habits can go a long way in preventing this common condition. As with a great many teeth problems, poor oral cleanliness is the number one reason for gingivitis.
Healthy gums are supposed to be pale pink and firm, so if you happen to spot your gums are red, puffy or bleed easily, you would be wise to consider seeing your dentist because you may have gingivitis. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are soft, puffy/swollen and sometimes tender gums. Also, receding gums or gums that easily bleed can be indicators of this common condition.
The easiest way to prevent gingivitis and many other common oral health issues is to establish good oral health habits. Great dental cleanliness starts with brushing your teeth at least two times each day, once upon waking in the morning and again before retiring at night. Also, it is advised that you floss each day. Additionally, regular dental cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist are highly recommended within a good dental hygiene program. A good rule is to visit your dentist for a cleaning each 6 months.
In most situations gingivitis clears up relatively quickly after receiving a professional teeth cleaning. This naturally is conditional on a strong at-home oral health plan following your professional cleaning. Your dentist should ideally supply direction as to what must be done to ensure the issue is eliminated as quickly as possible.
If you begin to notice any of the symptoms outlined in this article, it is strongly recommended that you contact your dentist and book an appointment. The consequences of leaving gingivitis untreated are not something you likely want to experience.
Gingivitis is an extremely common oral health issue and is a mild form of gum disease. This mild gum disease causes inflammation, redness and irritation of the gums. As gingivitis can be very mild, many of us in truth have gingivitis and are totally ignorant of the fact. Although somebody can have gingivitis without knowing, this does not mean it should be taken lightly.
If not treated, gingivitis can progress into much more heavy gum disease. The gum disease can spread to the underlying tissue and eventually even spread to the bone, which can in extreme cases cause tooth loss.
Luckily , good oral health habits can go a long way in preventing this common condition. As with a great many teeth problems, poor oral cleanliness is the number one reason for gingivitis.
Healthy gums are supposed to be pale pink and firm, so if you happen to spot your gums are red, puffy or bleed easily, you would be wise to consider seeing your dentist because you may have gingivitis. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are soft, puffy/swollen and sometimes tender gums. Also, receding gums or gums that easily bleed can be indicators of this common condition.
The easiest way to prevent gingivitis and many other common oral health issues is to establish good oral health habits. Great dental cleanliness starts with brushing your teeth at least two times each day, once upon waking in the morning and again before retiring at night. Also, it is advised that you floss each day. Additionally, regular dental cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist are highly recommended within a good dental hygiene program. A good rule is to visit your dentist for a cleaning each 6 months.
In most situations gingivitis clears up relatively quickly after receiving a professional teeth cleaning. This naturally is conditional on a strong at-home oral health plan following your professional cleaning. Your dentist should ideally supply direction as to what must be done to ensure the issue is eliminated as quickly as possible.
If you begin to notice any of the symptoms outlined in this article, it is strongly recommended that you contact your dentist and book an appointment. The consequences of leaving gingivitis untreated are not something you likely want to experience.
About the Author:
Rob Green is a freelance dentist content writer for Vancouver dental clinic, Kingsgate Dental.
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