Gingivitis is a minor dental problem that can lead to bigger problems if left unaddressed. Some common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include bad breath, sore or puffy gums, and minor bleeding when brushing or flossing teeth. In very minor cases, there might not be any symptoms at all. Gingivitis can typically be treated at home with preventative oral care. If corrective action is not taken, however, gingivitis can lead to much more substantial dental problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis:
- Bad breath
- Sore gums
- Red or inflamed gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing teeth
- Receding gumline
Plaque and bacteria leftover from food can lead to gum disease. Gingivitis is a minor gum disease that typically stems from plaque and bacteria getting below the gumline and remaining there for too long. Plaque is a clear film that forms on teeth, especially at the base of teeth, from the bacteria found in food. With proper brushing and flossing, plaque buildup is typically not a big issue. If the plaque is left for too long though, it can start to harden and turn into yellow-ish tartar that is much harder to remove.
When tartar gathers at the base of teeth and is not cleaned away, it can get under the gums and cause an infection. The infection then leads to the basic signs and symptoms of gingivitis. If the infection is left untreated, symptoms can increase to pain, abscesses, bone loss, and tooth loss.
Though most cases of gingivitis occur from improper oral care, there are some factors that increase the risk of developing gingivitis. If you have one or more of these risk factors, you might be more likely to develop gingivitis.
Risk Factors for Developing Gingivitis:
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, etc.)
- Cancer
- Drug use
- Smoking
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Family history of gum disease
Thankfully, gingivitis treatment is typically pretty easy. In most minor cases, it can be treated at home without professional intervention. Proper at-home treatment includes brushing correctly at least twice per day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash daily. Your dentist should be able to give advice on the best brands for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
In more serious cases, professional dental intervention is needed for severe gingivitis treatment. If you have tartar buildup at the base of your teeth or if your gums are noticeably sensitive, you should go to a dentist for an examination. Your dentist will perform a cleaning to remove the tartar and excess plaque and will perform an x-ray of your mouth. The x-ray and examination will help determine if you have any bone loss, receding gums, or tooth problems related to the gum infection.
If your dentist discovers more severe gingivitis-related problems, they will advise you on the best next steps. Gum disease is one of the primary causes of adult tooth loss, and a qualified dentist should be able to intervene to minimize damage as much as possible. Ideally, it’s best to perform routine daily oral care to prevent and reverse gingivitis as early as possible.
