Gingivitis : The Signs of Gum Disease

 

 

 

Gingivitis : The Signs of Gum Disease

 

 

Your Gums

 

Although most people associate trips

to the dentist with their teeth,

healthy gums are also an essential part of

oral hygiene. In a healthy mouth, gums

should appear pink and firm to the touch.

Puffiness and redness indicate the early

signs of gingivitis, as does bleeding during

brushing and flossing. If you are asking

yourself, “Why are my gums inflamed?”

then it’s likely you have gum disease.

Keep in mind that these symptoms do not

usually cause pain — if you observe

bleeding following brushing and flossing,

gingivitis is most likely the culprit.

There are other ways to tell if you have

gingivitis, such as receding gums and

bad breath. If you notice any of these

symptoms, it’s time for an oral cleaning and

checkup.

 

 

 

 

Inflamed Gums

 

Swollen gums are common and can occur

for several reasons, including the ones

listed below. You should contact your

dentist if the swelling lasts more than

several days. The dentist will rule out other

causes of inflamed gums, such as:

 

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-You recently switched oral care brands:

 

Changing your toothpaste, toothbrush or

mouthwash brand may lead to a reaction to

any one of the ingredients

your mouth isn’t used to.

 

-You recently began taking medications:

 

If you’ve just begun a new medication,

the drug could be causing your swollen gums.

The doctor may be able to prescribe

you an alternative if your inflamed gums are

a side effect of the medication you’re on.

 

-You have poor nutrition:

 

If you’re deficient in Vitamin C, it can lead to

swollen gums. Therefore, you may be able to

blame your diet if you’ve been skipping

your fruits and vegetables.

And, of course, if you’ve been brushing

your teeth and flossing as you should,

the dentist will look at the possibility of

gingivitis.

 

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Bleeding Gums

 

You should be concerned with bleeding

gums, too — even if you have regular

cleanings. When gums bleed, it’s usually

a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease.

When thinking about their dental health,

most people focus on their teeth and

preventing cavities.

However, your gums are

just as important and play a significant role

in your oral health. Not only that, but your

overall health, too. In many cases,

bleeding, swollen or sore gums are a sign of

gum disease.

 

 

 

 

Ask yourself some questions

to check how healthy your gums are:

 

1. Do your gums appear swollen?

 

2. Do you have bleeding gums after

you brush your teeth,

floss or use another cleaning tool?

 

3. Do your teeth look “longer”

due to receding gums?

 

4. Do you notice any loose teeth?

 

5. Do your teeth have any gaps between

them or have they changed position?

 

6. Do you have pus at your gum line

after massaging your gums?

 

Do you have a family history of

premature tooth loosening?

 

 

 

 

 

Contact the dentist to have a periodontal

evaluation performed if you answered

“yes” to any of these questions.

Even if your teeth are brilliant white and

cavity-free, it doesn’t mean you can’t get

gum disease. But many people don’t realize

they have it because it typically

doesn’t cause pain.

 

Other Indications of Gingivitis

 

Other things indicate gingivitis, too, such as

bad breath and receding gums.

If you experience either of these,

you should set up an appointment for

a checkup, oral cleaning and

other preventive care.

 

 

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