Your gums are very important to your oral health. The gums are made of firm, pink tissue that covers your jawbone. This tissue is thick, fibrous, and full of blood vessels. Regular or recommended Dental Chek Ups & Dental Cleaning by your dentist are very important.

 

When people don’t practice proper dental hygiene, bacteria in the mouth forms plaque on the teeth. These bacteria may cause your gums to become inflamed, which results in red, swollen, or bleeding gums. For many people with gingivitis, this inflammation is not painful

Gingivitis is a mild form of Gum disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis is characterized by gum tissue inflammation and redness and swelling, and bleeding from routine brushing or flossing. Healthy gums are pink and firm and do not bleed during regular brushing or flossing.

Proper brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth. Buildup of dental plaque is the main cause of gingivitis, and Risk factors for this buildup include:

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Diabetes
  • Poor oral hygiene practices
  • Hormonal changes in females
  • Certain medications that decrease the flow of saliva (such as steroids, some anti-epileptics, cancer drugs, certain calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives)
  • Some illnesses, such as AIDS
  • Genetics

What are symptoms of gingivitis?

  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Bleeding and tender gums
  • Receding gums
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Painful chewing
  • Tooth movement (pathological migration)

Gingivitis can be cured if the plaque that causes gum irritation and inflammation is eliminated. A professional dental cleaning can remove plaque and tartar buildup, and after that, you can keep your mouth healthy by brushing and flossing regularly.

Gingivitis affects the gums, but when the inflammation reaches the ligaments and bone surrounding the teeth it becomes periodontitis. Periodontitis is also called “gum disease” and is characterized by loss of gum tissue and bone around the teeth. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Come to visit us for further information,  at Clinica Britannia