Dentists commonly tell their patients to watch out for gingivitis. Gingivitis, also referred to as gum disease, affects many people. There are many causes for gingivitis, and many symptoms to look for. Overtime, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease, and even worse, tooth loss, so it is important to stay on top of your oral health.
Gingivitis has the first symptoms of bleeding gums at the occurrence of brushing your teeth or flossing. This does not automatically mean you are suffering from gum disease, but the two generally go hand in hand. If your bleeding does not go away within a few days to a week, you should set up an appointment with your dentist to ensure you do not have the start of gum disease. Another typical symptom associated with gingivitis is red and sensitive soft tissue. If your gums are tender to the touch, or hurt to brush, you should see your dentist.
It is important to know that gingivitis can be turned around, so seeking dental attention at the earliest symptom is important and necessary.
Along with symptoms of gingivitis, you should make yourself aware of the causes. Gum disease, as previously stated can be caused by a number of things, but usually occurs because of plaque buildup. Lack of proper oral care, and left behind plaque causes a buildup which could lead to tartar. Tartar is a hardened plaque, which is hard to remove. Tartar left on teeth causes decay and soft tissue problems. Another cause could be family history. You may be predisposed to gum disease, so let your doctor know of any preexisting family medical history.
If you want to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease to the best of your ability, you should floss and brush your teeth daily, with a recommendation of twice: morning and night. It also is a good idea to rise out your mouth after eating foods that are sugar dense or acidic because of the lingering debris.
If you feel as if these are symptoms you are feeling or words you have heard in the past about your oral health, set up a consultation with your dentist to get it fixed as soon as possible.
