There is a wide variety of issues that can negatively affect your oral health. While we often focus on what is happening directly to our teeth, there are problems beyond that which we should all be aware of. If you've been to a dentist recently, you probably have noticed the hygienist and doctor aren't just looking at your teeth when they give you an exam. They also examine your gums, and they do this with good reason. Gingivitis is an extremely common ailment, and though you may not think much of this at first, it can harm your oral health, and your overall health in the long term.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is, at its simplest, a gum disease. It's quite common and essentially causes the gums to become inflamed and irritated. Specifically, the area that is most likely to become affected is the gum around the base of your teeth. The issue you'll typically notice first with gingivitis is bloody gums. This blood may become clear when you're brushing your teeth and rinsing out your mouth. Your gums may also look puffy and may also be sore. Another sign is dark red gums, bad breath, the recession of your gums, and tenderness.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The most basic cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. You'll be more likely to experience gingivitis if you do not brush your teeth and floss as directed by your dentist. This will often begin with plaque building up on your teeth. This is an invisible, clear film on top of the teeth, largely made up of bacteria. Plaque becomes tartar usually after 24 to 72 hours, though it can be removed through regular brushing of your teeth. Once it becomes tartar, it needs to be professionally removed by your dentist.
If plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, it will gradually begin to irritate your gums; with that irritation slowly turning into gingivitis. The problem is, if that irritation continues, gingivitis, itself a mild disease, but can develop into periodontitis. This disease is much more serious and can result in tooth decay and even tooth loss.
Did you know that 47.2% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease? It could simply be a result of aging, but more often than not, it's an issue of not seeing the dentist on a regular basis.
But periodontal disease isn't the only reason you should be investing in regular dentistry appointments. If you can't remember the last time you scheduled a general dentistry appointment, here are a few more good reasons to invest time and money into routine dental care.
- Oral Cancer Detection
- Cavity Prevention and Treatment
- Gum Disease
- Cosmetic Issues
How Do We Treat Gingivitis?
Gingivitis can be treated through regular brushing, flossing and mouthwash. Additionally, you can get a prescription for a topical antiseptic which will help treat your gingivitis and prevent infection. Late-stage gingivitis, however, can only be treated by a dentist removing plaque from below the gum line. However, please understand the first line of defense is to brush at least 3 times a day with a proven dental gel that fights plaque and tartar buildup to prevent Gingivitis from happening in the first place.
Also, try using an electric toothbrush and get better results with less work. Numerous studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are statistically more effective at removing plaque and fighting gum disease than manual toothbrushes.
- An electric toothbrush is easy to use. Place in your mouth at a 45-degree angle, and let the brush do all the hard work. Just like that, your pearly whites are clean.
- Let the kids have a little fun. Convincing your children that, yes, they have to brush their teeth every day can be frustrating, and a hassle. An electric toothbrush might be the answer to this problem. It’s a lot easier (and more fun).
- No more counting. Most electric toothbrushes now come with a timer built in. They’ll stop as soon as two minutes have passed, so you’ll never have to guess.
Are you looking to boost your oral hygiene game? LIVFRESH is the dental gel for you then! Helping to remove both plaque and tartar to prevent gingivitis, LIVFRESH gives you a step up in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. To learn more about our tartar removing dental gel and how it can improve your dental hygiene, contact us today.