Nearly every American will experience gingivitis
at some point in their life. Most of the time it is when they are
seniors and their gum line has receded some, but some may experience it sooner.
Gingivitis is caused by bacteria irritating the soft tissue
under your gums.
The bacteria can gather under the gum line if you’re not
diligent enough about brushing and flossing your teeth.
Bacterial waste matter, known as plaque, is left behind by the
bacteria and it can be used as a type of defense, keeping the bacteria in place
despite the probing of toothpicks and toothbrushes.
If this plaque is left untouched for a couple of days, it
hardens to form tartar, which can be more difficult to get rid of than plaque.
Identifying Gingivitis
Gingivitis’ most common and easily visible characteristic is causing the gums to bleed. They may not
ooze blood, but rather you may notice a redness in your saliva when brushing
your teeth.
This is often the first sign that people notice, but it is not
always the only one present.
Another symptom of gingivitis is swollen or puffy gums. The bacteria is causing the soft
tissue of your gums to become inflamed, which makes them swell.
Additionally, some people may notice a tenderness of the gums. This is less common in the gingivitis stage
of gum disease, but more common in later stages.
The symptoms of gingivitis are often so mild that many people
don’t notice them or pay any mind to them until they either resolve on their
own or they advance to periodontal disease.
The only way to officially diagnose gingivitis is with a visit
to your Memorial Galleria area dentist
in Houston. They will perform a visual examination and based on the
symptoms you describe, can determine if it is indeed gingivitis.
Gingivitis Treatment in
Houston
When you visit the dentist, they will conduct a good cleaning
of your teeth, particularly focusing on the gum line, as this is where much of
the bacteria is collected.
They may prescribe a medicated mouthwash in notably bad cases,
but most often you will be able to treat gingivitis at home with proper,
regular dental hygiene practices.
The dentist will show you the best way to brush and floss your
teeth to effectively remove plaque and bacteria that causes gingivitis.
Following this regimented course of brushing, flossing, and
rinsing, you can clear away the bacteria and reverse the damage caused by
gingivitis. Maintaining the regimen afterward will prevent gingivitis from
striking again in the future.
While it is definitely possible to treat gingivitis on your own
at home, it’s not recommended that you do so.
A professional evaluation from a dentist can, with knowledge of
your medical history, determine a possible alternative source of the disease.
Gum
disease can stem from certain other ailments like diabetes as well
as some medications. Your dentist should know what health conditions you have
and medicines you take to make an accurate diagnosis.
In some cases, a dentist may actually be able to detect an
underlying disease before a doctor has officially diagnosed it.
The reason for having a dentist diagnose the symptoms and cause
of gingivitis is to treat the root cause.
Improving your home oral hygiene routine is not going to
improve your gingivitis situation if it is being caused by another disease.
This is why it is especially important to follow up with your
dentist for scheduled appointments and regular checkups every six months.
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