Gingivitis: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Gingivitis is a reversible gum disease caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth. The absence of oral hygiene or incorrect brushing will lead to food not accumulation and bacteria will begin to grow between the teeth. If it is not treated, it can evolve into a more serious gum disease known as periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause tetth to be lost.

The bacterial plaque is soft, if not eliminated correctly by brushing and will eventually harden resulting in tartar. Tartar or calculus can only be removed at Southern Delaware Dental Specialist in Georgetown, Delaware by means of a dental hygiene.

Proper daily oral hygiene, dental hygiene and regular check-ups at the dental office can prevent gingivitis.

How do I know if I have gingivitis?

The most common signs and symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen and tender gums that bleed when brushing or eating.

Gingivitis in Sussex County is very common. Anyone can get it.

If you have any of these signs and symptoms you may have gingivitis:

– Bleeding gums spontaneously or during brushing.

– Red gums. The margin of the gum is reddish or violet.

– Inflamed, thick, irritated gums. Teeth may look small.

– Halitosis. Bad breath or unpleasant smell in the mouth.

– Retracted or receding gums.

– Pain, sensitivity in the gums.

– Loose or mobile teeth.

What causes gingivitis?

The main factor of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that leads to the accumulation of plaque.

There are other factors that can lead to gingivitis:

– Smoking: is one of the most common causes. It also complicates the healing process of the gums being the treatment of these not so effective.

– Xerostomia or a decrease in saliva production makes it easier for bacterial plaque to accumulate on the teeth.

– A poor diet or vitamin deficiencies. Lack of vitamin C or B3 is a direct cause of inflamed gums. It is therefore advisable to have a healthy, varied and balanced diet.

– Poorly fitted or badly maintained dental restorations. Crowns and fillings with an incorrect fit or incorrectly placed can inflame the gums.

– Crooked, malpositioned teeth.

– Immunosuppressive diseases (HIV, leukemia, oncological treatments,…)

– Drugs, medicines that are used daily.

– Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause, as well as the use of oral contraceptives are also directly related to gum tissue inflammation.

– Genetic factors.

The main cause of gingivitis is not brushing your teeth regularly because it allows dental plaque to form on your teeth. Gingivitis can form pockets between the tooth and the gum, where food and plaque residues accumulate. Plaque is a thin transparent layer that is ideal for bacteria to live in and cause halitosis. In other words, bad mouth breath.

How does gingivitis turn into periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are gum infections caused by bacteria. Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis if it is not treated.

Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, is reversible. A professional dental cleaning restores the health of the gums. On the other hand, periodontitis, loss of bone that holds the gums, is irreversible. The bone loss does not regenerate. We can stop the disease but the loss of supporting structures of the tooth do not reform.

In addition to inflammation and bleeding, the patient may notice halitosis and even tooth mobility. The repeated loss and constant destruction of the bone that supports your teeth will lead to tooth mobility and subsequent tooth loss.

Basic tips to avoid gingivitis in Georgetown, Delaware

Gingivitis is very easy to detect and treat. It can be very uncomfortable as it can affect the aesthetics and function of the smile. Some tips to avoid gingivitis in Delaware

– Daily oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth 3 times a day for 3-5 minutes is essential. Brushing is very important but cleaning between the teeth is fundamental. Therefore we recommend promoting interproximal hygiene through techniques such as mouthwash and dental floss. If you wear braces at Georgetown, we recommend using an oral irrigator such as waterpick.

– Healthy eating. What you eat influence sthe condition of your teeth and gums. Highly sugary and very acidic foods can erode teeth because they promote the accumulation of oral biofilm, the main factor in the development of gum disease. The consumption of foods such as fruits and vegetables maintain a healthy body and gums.

– Health body, healthy gums: Gingivitis and periodontitis are related to a worsening of diabetes and pregnancy. If gums are kept healthy, diabetes can improve and pregnancy complications can be reduced.

– Visit the dentist. Most of the time gum disease does not cause any symptoms. Periodontal disease can be very severe be in a very advanced state. It is therefore essential to visit the dentist in Delaware regularly, as early detection is key to effective treatment. A regular professional dental cleaning will be the key to eliminate dental plaque and avoid the formation of calculus. In southern delaware dental specialist we apply the most advanced techniques in prophylaxis. In just one session you will be able to have a healthier and more beautiful smile.

Price of treating gingivitis in Delaware

To treat gingivitis, a dental cleaning must be performed. If the gingivitis has evolved to periodontitis a more involved treatment, called scaling and root planing, is necessary.

Gingivitis is not treated with home remedies, but with a dental cleaning and an adequate brushing technique.

Take advantage of the promotion of dental cleaning in Georgetown: first evaluation, x-ray and dental hygiene for 280 dollars. Visit your dentist in Georgetown, Delaware.

Once gingivitis has advanced to periodontitis, it is irreversible, which means that it is not possible to recover the damaged bone, but it is possible to stop the disease with proper treatment. With scaling we will be able to eliminate the bacteria that are located in the periodontal pocket.