Gingivitis – Do You Know the Warning Signs?
If you find blood on your toothbrush, even when brushing your teeth gently, you could be suffering from gingivitis. This is an inflammation of the gums caused by anaerobic bacteria that live under dental plaque.
It is found between the gaps in the gums and the teeth and on the teeth themselves. Additional symptoms of gingivitis may include but are not exclusive to a bright red or shiny appearance of the gums, receding gums, and gums that are tender when touched.
Gingivitis is a periodontal (gum) disease. This infection is able to destroy the supporting tissue of the teeth if it is left unattended. Sadly, if things get worse, a person’s teeth may become loose. After the situation has gone too far, teeth can come out. This is sad because we don’t currently have a way to replace living teeth.
There is mounting evidence from medical research that gum disease may make people more prone to heart disease, some cancers, stroke and other disease. Our bodies were not made to respond to long term inflammatory problems which is what gum disease can often mean to a person who doesn’t know they have it or is unable to rid themselves of it.
The dental plaque collects in the gaps between the gum and teeth and after a while forms tartar. This means apart from a normal brushing routine, you seek the professional assistance of a dental hygienist or dentist to remove the plaque and tartar by professional cleaning.
Professional dental cleaning is recommended traditionally, once every 6 months. In the case of gum disease, you may want one every 3 months. Sometimes, it might be helpful to get a professional cleaning every two months.
If you display any of the signs of gum disease, you should take action, including contacting a periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. Try to avoid alcohol mouthwash. Periodontists have more advanced training and experience with periodontal disease and gum tissue health.