Tips for Detecting and Treating Gingivitis

Your health is one of the most essential things in your life, right? If your health is important to you, your dental health should be necessary, and fighting gingivitis should be significant.

This is because to keep yourself healthy, you need to prevent toxins and bacteria from entering your mouth or body.

Because your mouth is an easy target for bacteria, poor oral hygiene or preventive care can cause the early stages of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Gingivitis can lead to far more serious conditions.

Periodontal disease is common in Australia, with nearly a quarter of the population suffering from it. Those over 65 have rates approaching 53%. The first step to periodontal disease is almost always gingivitis or inflammation of the gums.

By learning about gum disease, its symptoms, and how to deal with it, you’ll know if or when you’re developing a problem that requires gingivitis treatment. If you know the signs to look out for, you’ll also learn how to prevent gingivitis or catch it early enough to reverse it with the help of your West Ryde dentist.

To help you with this task, we have compiled this handy information collection about gingivitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is gum inflammation, an extremely common, early, and treatable form of periodontal disease. But if untreated, it can lead to inflammation and infection in the gums, teeth, and periodontal ligaments that link your teeth to the bone and the tooth socket. Eventually, it can lead to tooth loss or worse.

Plaque buildup is the culprit in gingivitis. If plaque isn’t removed, it turns into tartar (calculus), which gets trapped at the base of your teeth. This leads to sensitive, infected, and inflamed gums. If this condition is left unaddressed, it can become periodontitis, causing receding gums and worse.

Signs & Symptoms

Gum disease is often painless, which makes it critical to detect any of the following symptoms:

• Swollen, red, or tender gums
• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Receding gums, or gums that separate from the tooth
• Chronic bad breath or an ongoing bad taste in your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Alterations in how your teeth come together
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures
• Pus around the teeth and gums

Risk Factors for Gingivitis

If any of the factors mentioned below apply, pay extra attention to your teeth and gum line.

• Insufficient or incorrect oral hygiene is one of the most easily avoided factors in gingivitis.
• Smoking/tobacco use is one of the most common risk factors associated with gum disease. It can also decrease the chances of successful treatment. Smokers are seven times more likely to have gum disease than non-smokers.
• Hormonal changes, including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and monthly menstruation, cause increased sensitivity and inflammation in your gums.
• Poor nutrition makes it more difficult for the body to fight gum disease, and some vitamins are demonstrated to improve gum and bone health.
• Medicines for many conditions can affect oral health.
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, HIV, and cancer retard the body’s ability to fight gingivitis.

Prevention of Gingivitis

Gingivitis may be prevented or defeated using simple preventative measures:

• Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue daily. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. Upon awakening, at night, and after meals, if possible.
• Floss at least once daily, ideally before going to bed.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is less likely to damage teeth or gums, and don’t brush too hard, which can damage teeth. Replace your toothbrush every three months or after illnesses like the flu.
• Use a toothpaste with fluoride.
• Do not snack in the middle of the night.
• Chew on gum, rinse with water, or brush after snacking.
• Rinse with an effective mouthwash
• Visit your West Ryde dentist at least once every six months for a routine cleaning and examination.
• Avoid sugary foods, tobacco products, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or using recreational drugs.
• Be aware of additional risk factors. Ageing, smoking, diet and genetics can increase the likelihood of gingivitis. If you have an increased risk factor, talk with your dentist about it.

Gum Treatments in West Ryde

At My Local Dentists, our treatments and services are 100% personalised to you and your needs. Our dentists are highly motivated and accredited practitioners with graduate degrees from the University of Sydney.

Our dental practice’s dedicated and professional support staff ensures a comfortable visit for all patients.

Promotions for New Patients

General Check-up, Scale and Clean, X-rays and Fluoride treatment (with any health insurance)

You can reach us at (02) 9809 7000 or Shop 20 West Ryde Marketplace, 14 Anthony Road, West Ryde.