Did you know what causes blood spots on biting apple? Did you know what causes bleeding from gums while brushing teeth? Many a times people don’t take this seriously. Did you know, that this problem can be treated in the initial stages & should not be ignored. Ignoring this can lead to loss of teeth.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis – Is inflammation of gums & an early stage of gum disease. Typically, it is caused by a bacterial infection. This is what causes bleeding of gums while biting on apples or while brushing & is the earliest sign of gum disease.
What Causes Gingivitis?
Plaque is colonies of bacteria that forms on your teeth and near your gums after you eat and drink. It is a sticky, colorless film that forms continuously on the teeth. The bacteria in the plaque produce harmful substances that can irritate gum tissue, causing gingivitis.
If you go too long without brushing, plaque can readily build up and even harden in your mouth. When it becomes hard it is called calculus or tartar & has to be removed by a dental professional only.
What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?
When gingivitis is mild, there may not be any signs of it. However, the most common symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Dark pink or red, soft & swollen gums
- Tender gums that can be painful to the touch
- Bleeding that occurs during eating, brushing & flossing
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
How to Prevent Gingivitis?
As we know Prevention Is Better Than Cure…. There are some simple steps you can take to prevent gingivitis.
The first tip we recommend is that you visit your dentist every 6 months for a routine dental appointment.
The second tip is brushing your teeth for 3-4 minutes twice a day is the best way to care for your gums & prevent gingivitis.
The third tip is to limit the amount of sticky sweets and acidic foods that you consume. Rinse your mouth with water after eating and include more fruits and vegetables in your diet.
How Is Gingivitis Treated?
Gingivitis is reversible & it varies in severity which can have different presentations.
Simple cases of gingivitis needs good brushing twice a day if only plaque is the cause. In case of tartar accumulation it will require teeth cleaning as well.
What Happens If I Ignore Gingivitis?
Gingivitis, a reversible gum disease if left untreated can progress to involve the deeper bone resulting in destruction of supporting structures of the teeth, loosening of teeth & teeth loss. It is a serious disease that causes irreversible damage. Not only does periodontal disease have effect on the bone and gums that support teeth, but is also associated with serious general health issues over long run. This is called a periodontitis, which requires more extensive treatment methods like deeper cleaning called Scaling, Root planing or Laser therapy, where the root surfaces are cleaned below the gum line to remove plaque, tartar & disinfect the pockets. If gum disease is advanced, it can even require complex gum surgeries too.
Gingivitis is common and affects most adults. But with good oral hygiene and the care of a professional dentist is must, hence Prevent Gingivitis Before It Begins!
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