Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that can cause irritation, redness, and swelling in your gums. Gingivitis can lead to more serious gum disease, such as periodontitis if left untreated. The good news is that gingivitis is preventable and, in many cases, can be reversed with proper oral care.
At Allen Dental Center, we help patients achieve and maintain healthy gums as a part of overall oral health and wellness. Your gums need to support your teeth and also play a role in helping you maintain good physical health.
Common Signs of Gingivitis
Gingivitis may be mild, but its signs are usually noticeable. Our team screens for the signs of gum disease during your dental exam, but here are common symptoms to watch for that may indicate you have gingivitis:
Red or Swollen Gums: One of the first signs of gingivitis is gums that appear redder than usual and may feel swollen or puffed up. Healthy gums are typically pink and firm, so any deviation from this color or texture is worth paying attention to.
Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing, are another key indicator of gingivitis. This bleeding occurs because of inflammation that affects the blood vessels in your gums. If your gums are bleeding frequently, it’s a sign that your oral hygiene needs improvement.
Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, is a common symptom of gingivitis. The bacteria causing gum inflammation can emit foul-smelling substances that lead to an unpleasant odor in your mouth.
Receding Gums: If your gums start to pull away from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth’s surface, it could indicate gingivitis. While this is more commonly associated with advanced gum disease, it can also begin to show in the early stages.
Tender Gums: Gums that are tender to the touch or feel painful when brushing or flossing are also signs of gingivitis. Tenderness occurs as a result of the inflammation and irritation caused by plaque buildup along the gum line.
How to Treat and Prevent Gingivitis
Gingivitis can be effectively treated with a combination of improved oral hygiene practices and professional dental care. Here’s how you can treat and manage gingivitis.
The most important step in treating gingivitis is to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes to avoid further irritating your gums. Don’t forget to floss daily to remove plaque buildup between your teeth. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can support oral health. Foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, help strengthen your gums and immune system. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that promote plaque buildup and inflammation.
Using an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth, which aids in controlling the inflammation associated with gingivitis. Look for mouthwashes that contain ingredients like chlorhexidine or essential oils, which can help fight plaque.
Our dental care team will remove the plaque and tartar that build up along your gum line, which can’t be removed through regular brushing alone. This cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, is often necessary to reverse the effects of gingivitis and prevent it from progressing to more severe forms of gum disease.
Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease and can worsen gingivitis. Quitting smoking can improve your gum health and help prevent the progression of gingivitis to more serious conditions like periodontitis.