Often associated with bad breath, gingivitis, if left untreated, can have more severe consequences for your oral health. If you don’t take precaution early enough with gingivitis, it can lead to you losing your teeth because the tissue that surrounds them ruins and decays.
However, there are tips that can help you avoid or treat gingivitis before it becomes a more serious issue.
What is Gingivitis & What Causes it?
Also known as gum inflammation, gingivitis is the build-up of plaque, which in turn causes the gums to become inflamed, uncomfortable, and painful. This also leads to them bleeding easily when brushing your teeth.
If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which makes the inner layer of gum pull away from the teeth, leaving gaps that collect food debris, which leads to infection.
Some of the most common causes of gingivitis include:
- Hormonal changes
- Illnesses such as cancer and HIV
- Bad habits such as smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Hereditary dental issues
What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Some of the symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease that you should be on the lookout for include:
- Bleeding gums during and after teeth brushing
- Red, swollen, and tender gums
- Persistent bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Deep pockets forming between your teeth and gums
Our Professional Tips to Avoid Gingivitis
- Brush and Floss Regularly – This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t brush their teeth as often as is recommended (twice a day). And, even fewer people floss regularly. Flossing and brushing daily helps dislodge plaque and food particles that get caught between teeth and can cause infections.
- Use Anti-Bacterial Products – To fight and avoid infections, we recommend brushing with an-tibacterial toothpaste and using a good antibacterial mouthwash.
- Eat a Balanced Diet – Eating foods that are high in anti-oxidants, vitamin E, and vitamin C are excellent for your oral health. Try including more vegetable oils, nuts, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and broccoli into your diet.
- Avoid Grinding Teeth – If you’re already showing signs of gingivitis, grinding your teeth will put more pressure on the tissue that support your teeth, increasing the rate at which they de-teriorate.
Reach Out to TLC Dental
If you suspect that you may have gingivitis and need help treating it, consider popping into TLC Dental for a consultation and checkup with one of our friendly, experienced, and professional dentists. We have branches across Western Australia, making it even easier to experience our high standard of care.
Give us a call today to book a consultation
