Gingivitis Demystified by a Vancouver Dentist
Ok, so you’ve heard of gingivitis and you probably know that you don’t want to get it, but you may not know exactly what it is. As a Vancouver dentist I get asked regularly about what gingivitis is, how to avoid it and what can be done if you already have it.
Gingivitis is an extremely common oral health issue and is essentially a mild form of gum disease. This mild gum disease causes inflammation, redness and irritation of the gums. As gingivitis can be very mild, many people in fact have gingivitis and are entirely unaware. Even though someone can have gingivitis without knowing, this does not mean it should be taken lightly.
If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into much more serious gum disease. The gum disease can spread to the underlying tissue and eventually even spread to the bone, which can in extreme cases cause tooth loss.
Luckily, good oral health habits can go a long way in preventing this common condition. As with many dental issues, poor oral hygiene is the number one cause of gingivitis.
Healthy gums are supposed to be pale pink and firm, so if you notice your gums are red, puffy or bleed easily, you should consider seeing your dentist because you may have gingivitis. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are soft, puffy/swollen and sometimes tender gums. Also, receding gums or gums that easily bleed can be warning signs of this common condition.
The best way to prevent gingivitis and many other common oral health issues is to establish good oral health habits. Great dental hygiene starts with brushing your teeth a minimum of two times per day, once upon waking in the morning and again before retiring at night. Also, it is recommended that you floss every day. Additionally, regular dental cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist are strongly recommended within a good dental hygiene program. A good rule of thumb is to visit your dentist for a cleaning every 6 months.
In most cases gingivitis clears up relatively quickly after receiving a professional teeth cleaning. This of course is dependent on a strong at-home oral health plan following your professional cleaning. Your dentist should provide direction as to what needs to be done to ensure the issue is eliminated as fast as possible.
If you begin to notice any of the symptoms outlined in this article, it is strongly recommended that you contact your dentist and book an appointment. The consequences of leaving gingivitis untreated are not something you probably want to experience.
Kingsgate Dental is a dental clinic located on East Broadway in Vancouver, BC. Please give us a call at 604-879-9999 to get more information or book an appointment. You can also visit us online at http://www.vancouverdentist.com or view our videos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/govancouverbc/5440058572/
