Have you been experiencing Bleeding gums (when brushing or flossing)?
Let's learn about some of the causes behind it, and also how to control this and prevent it from reoccurring.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. it is an early form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth. This can include the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and bone.
Gingivitis is due to the short-term effects of plaque deposits on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky material made up of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that builds up on the teeth both above, and below the gums. It is also a major cause of tooth decay.
If you do not remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar (or calculus) that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. An excess of bacteria in the mouth, and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become swollen, and tender. This is called an inflammatory response, which is part of the body’s natural immune response to invading organisms.
These things raise your risk for gingivitis:
Certain infections and body-wide (systemic) diseases
Poor dental hygiene
Pregnancy (hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the gums)
Uncontrolled diabetes
Smoking
Misaligned teeth, rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances (such as braces, dentures, bridges, and crowns)
Use of certain medicines, including phenytoin, bismuth, and some birth control pills
Many people have some amount of gingivitis. It often develops during puberty or early adulthood because of hormonal changes. It may last a long time or come back often, depending on the health of your teeth and gums.
Symptoms of gingivitis include:
Bleeding gums (when brushing or flossing)
Bright red or reddish-purple gums
Gums that are tender when touched, but otherwise painless
Mouth sores
Swollen gums
Shiny appearance to gums
Bad breath
Exams and Tests Your Dental Hygienist will examine your mouth and teeth and look for soft, swollen, reddish-purple gums. The gums are most often painless or mildly tender when gingivitis is present. Plaque and tartar may be seen at the base of the teeth. Most of the time, more tests are not needed. However, dental x-rays may be done to see if the disease has spread to the supporting structures of the teeth.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation by removing dental plaque or tartar.
Your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth. They may use different tools to loosen and remove deposits from your teeth.
Careful oral hygiene is necessary after professional teeth cleaning. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to brush and floss properly.
In addition to brushing and flossing at home, your dentist may recommend:
Having professional teeth cleaning twice a year, or three to four times a year for more severe cases of gum disease
Using antibacterial mouth rinses or other aids
Getting misaligned teeth straightened
Replacing dental and orthodontic appliances
Having any other related illnesses or conditions treated
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