If you’ve recently noticed that your gums are a bit tender, red, or that they bleed during or after routine at-home oral care, the worst thing to do is ignore these symptoms.
These symptoms may be evidence that you are suffering from gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease.
Many Australians suffer from gingivitis at one time or another, and often sufferers are unaware they have it.
Gingivitis can have minor (or even non-existent) symptoms that make it easy to ignore. Unfortunately, untreated gingivitis can lead to much bigger and more threatening problems in your mouth and even in your general health.
The good news is that gingivitis can be prevented or even reversed by good oral hygiene – by simply brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping to regular dental cleanings and check-ups at The Glenroy Dental Group!
To help you identify and deal with gingivitis, let’s take a look at its symptoms, and what we can do, together, to fight it.
Gingivitis Symptoms And Signs
Here are some gingivitis symptoms to watch out for:
- Red or purple gums.
- Puffy gums.
- Bleeding gums, especially related to brushing and flossing.
- Receding gums.
- Gum soreness.
- Tooth pain or sensitivity. As gums shrink away from teeth, teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold foods or drinks.
- Bad breath that has become chronic. Plaque is overflowing with bacteria that produce foul-smelling waste products.
- Loose teeth or alterations in the way your teeth feel when you bite down.
What factors can increase my risk for gingivitis?
- Age
- Genetics
- Diabetes
- Poor Nutrition
- Certain medications
- Substance Abuse
- Gender- woman are more likely to suffer from gingivitis due to hormonal influences.
Causes Of Gingivitis
While the causes of gingivitis can vary, certain things have been definitely identified as causes of gingivitis.
Poor dental habits. The chances of developing gingivitis are usually related to a combination of poor brushing and flossing, as well as irregular checkups with a dental professional. Maintaining twice-a-day brushing and flossing in addition to routine visits to The Glenroy Dental Group can considerably lower your odds of developing gingivitis.
Plaque buildup. If plaque remains on your teeth, the buildup will eventually cause gums to recede and pull away from teeth. Then, pockets form between the teeth and gums into which bacteria can settle. The bacteria attack your gums and the bone supporting the teeth, causing tartar to form.
Stress. Studies demonstrate that stress is associated with a range of health issues including gingivitis. Stress reduces the ability of the body to fight off infection, making it easier for bacteria to attack the gums and teeth, leading to gum disease.
Tobacco products. Smoking, or any kind of tobacco products, is one of the primary causes of gingivitis. Inhaled smoke can leave irritating poisons on the teeth, which are not easy to remove even with perfect oral hygiene habits. These toxins can lead the gums to become unhealthy and bleed. Smoking also compromises the immune system, which decreases the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Hormonal changes. Some expectant moms suffer from swollen gums and bleeding especially during brushing and flossing. Known as pregnancy gingivitis, this condition is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. The good news for pregnant women is that these symptoms should go away after pregnancy.
What about dental treatment?
If gingivitis is successfully avoided through brushing, flossing, and dental appointments, all is well. But if it is allowed to develop unchecked, it can become periodontitis, which occurs when gingivitis is allowed to advance. When periodontal disease develops, gums shrink away from teeth and pockets develop between teeth and gums, which allow a friendly haven for bacteria. The immune system responds by battling the bacteria as it continues to grow throughout the gum line.
At this point, you need professional help from your friendly dentist at The Glenroy Dental Group.
Known as scaling and root planning, periodontal therapy addresses and reverses gingivitis and periodontitis while improving overall dental health. Treatment involves appointments that allow us to remove tartar build-up and deeply clean between your gums and teeth while regularly monitoring the results.
The goal of periodontal therapy is to eliminate bacteria growth in the mouth and restore your teeth and gums to optimal conditions.
The Glenroy Dental Group and You
At The Glenroy Dental Group, your health and happiness, and that of your loved ones, are our primary goals. We use the most modern technology available and take advantage of the latest dental techniques to ensure that your dental health and appearance are at the highest level. We want you to receive the best possible dental care with no pain or anxiety!
Our offices are conveniently located in the Pascoe Vale Road shopping strip, Glenroy, with plenty of parking space, we are located within easy walking distance of the Glenroy train station.
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Call (03) 9306 6511 or visit us at 2/830 Pascoe Vale Road in Glenroy.
