The gum disease gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Everyone has heard of it, whether from the tv oral health care ads or the dentist. Associated with gum tissue, gingivitis can cause swelling, bleeding and tenderness of the gums, especially when brushing or flossing. Understanding how to prevent it and what symptoms to look for can be beneficial to your mouth and your wallet. For those who already have gingivitis, you should understand how it can be treated.
Gingivitis is usually brought on by poor oral hygiene. This includes a lack of brushing, flossing and rinsing. All of these are rituals, when performed on a daily basis, can prevent and sometimes even help reverse the disease. Gingivitis is in the category of genetic diseases, therefore check with your family members to see if anyone else has had it.
Some symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums that tend to occur while brushing or flossing. Other reasons a person might get bleeding and swollen gums is from the use of tobacco products or because of a poor diet. If you have these symptoms, then it is a good idea to bring them up to your dentist on your next visit so the problem can be treated immediately.
There are different ways that your dentist may treat the gum disease gingivitis. For most people, it may be as simple as increasing the amount of flossing and daily brushings. Others may need to get some minimal root planing and scaling done to rid the teeth of plaque that may have built up over time.
Healthy teeth are important, but in order to prevent gum disease you have to have healthy gums as well. You may end up going home with special mouthwash to treat gingivitis, along with specific instructions on how to brush.
Don't forget that the gum disease gingivitis is only the first stage of gum disease. Periodontitis is the second and can cause you much more pain and cost you a lot more money at the dentist's office. If you notice any swelling, tenderness or bleeding of the gums, be sure to visit your dentist immediately.
Most likely you'll be told to increase your brushing and flossing practices and the dentist may even send you home with a special mouthwash to aid in the treatment of gingivitis. If you don't have gum disease, then thank your lucky stars and keep healthy gums to prevent gum disease. That is the key to keeping your mouth healthy and happy!