Gingivitis is the primary stage of gum disease. Luckily it is preventable with proper oral hygiene. Our Surrey Straight Smile dentists are here to talk about some ways you can prevent this disease from harming your oral health.
What Is Gingivitis?
The mildest form of gum (periodontal) disease is referred to as gingivitis and it can lead to swelling, redness and general irritation of the gums. This being said it's important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it as soon as signs appear. Gingivitis can develop into a much more serious gum disease called periodontitis and tooth loss.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The biggest contributing factor to gingivitis is bad oral hygiene. If plaque is not removed every day, it will build up on your teeth and act as an irritant. This will prompt your body to respond by creating inflammatory cells to fight the irritant. Inflammation means you'll see red puffy gums that may be sensitive and bleed slightly.
How Can Gingivitis Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent gingivitis from developing in the first place is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. brushing and flossing will remove the plaque that causes gingivitis. There are some benefits associated with oral rinses but they can not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing every day. Routine cleanings at your dentist's office are also recommended twice per year.
Even the best oral hygiene routines can miss hard to reach areas of your mouth where plaque can build up. This is why dental cleanings are so important. If plaque remains stuck to your teeth for too long it will harder into a substance known as tartar. Once this process has taken place, tartar can not be removed without a dentist's intervention. If tartar doesn't get removed you will likely develop more serious forms of gum disease.
Other necessary preventive measures, of course, are not smoking and a healthy diet.
What Are Treatment Options For Gingivitis?
If you have gingivitis, the first thing you should do is take a hard look at your oral hygiene routine. Make sure that you are brushing the recommended two times per day for two minutes and flossing your teeth at least once per day. This will help remove plaque, which will reduce gum irritation.
If your gums are bleeding more than normal, make sure to book a professional cleaning with your dentist to remove any built-up plaque and tartar.
For more serious forms of gum disease, our Delta Straight Smile dentists offer gingivectomy. Gingivectomy is a periodontal procedure that involves removing gum tissue in advance of root planing and scaling, and to prevent more serious dental issues.