As a young mother, I was reasonably ignorant when raising my firstborn. My biggest regret is that I didn't help her take better care of her teeth. Like many people, I didn't realise the importance of baby teeth, resulting in long-term dental problems. Recently, my daughter got married and some of my tears were for the beautiful, glistening smile she presented to the cameras. Ever since I realised the dental damage I had caused, I had been saving for my daughter to have cosmetic dentistry. The results are remarkable. During the course of this journey, I have learnt a lot about caring for children's teeth and corrective procedures that can be undertaken when issues arise. I am sure many of you would be interested in the latest knowledge and techniques that are available to prevent and repair dental complications. I'm Margret Devlin - thanks for visiting.
Gingivitis is a common gum disease that affects many people worldwide. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth that build up on teeth and gums, leading to inflammation, redness and bleeding. This condition can be treated effectively when caught early and managed properly. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for gingivitis so you can better understand how to protect your oral health.
Causes of Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup on teeth and gums. When plaque is not adequately eliminated through regular brushing and flossing, it can solidify into tartar, which can only be eliminated by a dentist. When tartar accumulates, it can cause gum inflammation and irritation, resulting in the development of gingivitis. Certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing gingivitis, including smoking, poor oral hygiene, certain medications and hormonal changes.
Symptoms of Gingivitis:
The symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, bad breath and a receding gum line. In some cases, gingivitis may not cause any pain, so it's important to pay attention to any changes in your gum health. Regular dental checkups can also help catch gingivitis early before symptoms become severe.
Treatment for Gingivitis:
Treatment for gingivitis typically involves a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums by a dentist or dental hygienist. This is known as scaling and root planing, and it involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums. In some cases, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection further. Improving oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and quitting smoking can also help prevent gingivitis from developing.
When to See a Dentist:
It's important to see a dentist every few months for a regular checkup and cleaning. If you notice any changes in your gum health, such as redness, swelling or bleeding, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. Detecting and treating gingivitis early can help prevent its progression to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Gingivitis is a common and treatable gum disease that can be prevented with good oral hygiene practices. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss and other serious oral health problems. Regular dental checkups and early treatment can help keep your gums healthy and prevent gingivitis from affecting your oral health.
For more information, reach out to a dental centre in your area.
Share1 February 2024
