Gingivitis

Overview

Gingivitis is a periodontal disease that causes the gums to become inflamed. It may persist or recur frequently depending on how healthy you keep your teeth and gums.

Causes

If you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly and properly there is a good chance you will get gingivitis as it is caused by the long-term effects of plaque - a mixture of bacteria mucus and food that sticks to your teeth near the gum line. This so-called tartar is a major cause of tooth decay. When the bacteria get into the gums they will become irritated and swollen as your immune system fights back.

Not only people with poor dental hygiene get gingivitis. If you are pregnant or if you have uncontrolled diabetes or certain other underlying medical conditions your risk increases. Badly fit dentures or bridges can also irritate the gums and increase the likelihood of infection.

Symptoms

The first symptom of gingivitis is often bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth. This may be followed over the next few days by swelling and pain in the gums which will take on a red shiny appearance. Proper oral hygiene is essential at this stage if you want to beat back the invading bacteria. If you don't succeed you could end up with periodontal disease and lose some teeth. Tell your dentist if you have any symptoms of gingivitis especially if you have not had a routine examination and cleaning in a while.

Treatment

A dentist or dental hygienist can tell with a glance in your mouth if you have gingivitis. If this is the case they'll recommend a thorough professional cleaning to get rid of the plaque that has built-up on your teeth. Your dentist may also prescribe an antibacterial mouth wash to help clear up the infection. Otherwise rinsing with warm salt water should help reduce the inflammation. You'll have to be very careful in the future to ensure that you brush your teeth and floss regularly or the gingivitis may come back.

Prevention

It almost goes without saying that good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gingivitis. While you likely already know the importance of brushing and flossing the rules are worth repeating:

  • Brush twice a day for two minutes each time with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Brush the surface of your tongue.
  • Floss daily.
  • Eat nutritious foods and drinks.
  • Don't smoke.