Gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease, is a common oral health concern. It occurs when the gum tissue becomes irritated and inflamed as a result of plaque build-up. But how do you know if you have gingivitis? And what can you do to prevent it? Read on to find out about the early symptoms of the condition, and what you should do if you notice the warning signs…
What are the symptoms of gingivitis?
Some of the most common early warning signs of gingivitis include gum inflammation and bleeding. When plaque is left to build up on the teeth and gum line, it can spread into the gum tissue and cause inflammation and tenderness. You may also notice that your gums bleed easily when you brush and floss.
Another warning sign of gingivitis is bad breath. You may also notice that you have a bad taste in your mouth most of the time. Gingivitis can also lead to receding gums, which may make your teeth appear longer than before.
The early stage of gum disease can cause small pockets to form in the space between the teeth and gums. Food particles often get trapped in these pockets and the risk of infection increases when this occurs. In the case of infection, an abscess can form, which is likely to cause pain and discomfort.
How can gingivitis be addressed?
If you notice any of the early signs of gum disease, it is important that you try to improve your oral hygiene habits. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristled brush, and floss daily in order to remove plaque from between your teeth and along your gum line. You might consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth.
It is also a good idea to visit your dentist for a professional scale and clean. This is a highly effective way of removing plaque and tartar, and can help to reverse the early effects of gingivitis.
Can you prevent gingivitis?
The best way to prevent gingivitis from occurring at all is to commit to a stringent oral hygiene routine, and to see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans. It is also advisable to eat a balanced, healthy diet. Try and stick to whole foods as much as possible, and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. Every time that you eat sugar, the bacteria in your mouth react to form harmful acids and plaque that can damage your teeth.
If you have any concerns about your oral health or you suspect that you have gingivitis, we encourage you to chat to your dentist. They will be able to let you know what the best course of action is for you based on your particular symptoms.
How can we help?
At Blue Star Dental Group, we offer preventative care and encourage our patients to come in and see us on a regular basis. At our preventative care appointments, we use up-to-date technology to diagnose and prevent oral health problems. Your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination, a professional scale and clean to remove tartar, a polish, and an optional fluoride treatment.
We also offer gum disease treatment. Our oral health therapists will show you how to take care of your teeth and gums in order to prevent gum disease, and provide you with any information that you need.
If you would like to find out more about any of the services that we offer, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, please give us a call on (07) 3801 3499 or get in touch with us here. We are open six days a week, and are conveniently located at the Hyperdome Medical Centre in Loganholme.