Gingivitis: What Is It and How to Avoid It
Gingivitis is one of the most common dental health conditions we encounter. Approximately one in five Australians has gingivitis, and while the condition is quite easy to treat and keep at bay, its consequences can be serious if left unchecked. Here, we will take a close look at gingivitis, what causes it, and how to treat it and prevent it from recurring or developing into a more serious condition such as periodontitis.
What is Gingivitis?
The word gingivitis is derived from the Latin “gingiva,” meaning gums, and “itis,” meaning inflammation. So, the term literally means inflamed gums. It is an early form of gum disease caused by plaque build-up on the teeth.
Plaque contains bacteria, and as it accumulates along the gum line, the bacteria cause irritation and inflammation.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Swollen and irritated gums become tender and sore. They are also more likely to bleed, especially during brushing. These are the most common giveaways that indicate gingivitis. Bad breath and tooth sensitivity are other common gingivitis symptoms.
When to See Dentist?
One of the problems with gingivitis is that the symptoms can come on gradually, so some patients become accustomed to them and treat sore or bleeding gums as normal. However, these symptoms should not be dismissed or ignored.
As is the case with many oral health conditions, the sooner you seek help with gingivitis, the quicker and easier it is to resolve. So, anyone experiencing swollen, tender, or bleeding gums should book an appointment with the dentist without delay.
Diagnosing Gingivitis
As we mentioned, gingivitis is a prevalent condition, so the dentists at our Brisbane dental practice are experienced in checking for and diagnosing gingivitis. Your dentist will examine the teeth, gums, tongue and mouth, specifically looking for plaque, irritation or inflammation.
The dentist will also use a dental probe to measure the groove between your gums and teeth. This should be between one and three millimetres. A more significant pocket depth is indicative of gum disease.
Treating Gingivitis
Gingivitis treatment can be effectively thought of as removing the plaque attached to the teeth. This will allow the gums to recover and settle, so the symptoms will gradually disappear. The dentist does this by thoroughly cleaning and descaling.
In more severe cases, the dentist might recommend periodontal debridement, which is essentially a deep clean along the gumline. Depending on the extent of the plaque build-up, it might be necessary for the entire mouth or just in localised areas.
How to Prevent Gingivitis
Prevention is always better than cure, and this is especially so in the case of gingivitis. If plaque is not allowed to build up, the likelihood of gum disease is dramatically reduced. The following measures help to prevent gingivitis:
- Brush and floss regularly, especially after meals.
- Keep your regular appointments with the dental hygienist for cleaning and descaling.
- Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet, keeping sweet and fatty foods to a minimum.
- If you smoke, try to cut down or quit
Don’t Ignore The Symptoms
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that is usually quick and easy to treat. The worst thing you can do is ignore the symptoms, which will only worsen if left untreated. Over time, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Consequences include abscesses, gum recession, and even tooth loss, so be alert for the symptoms and seek help with gingivitis in its early stages.
Schedule an Appointment Today
We offer same-day visits and late opening hours that work around your schedule. Do you have any of the symptoms listed for Gingivitis? It is now time to see the dentist for suitable medical assistance. We’re providers with Medibank, HCF and MDF. You can claim your health fund rebate on the spot with our HICAPS machine.
* Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
Common FAQs About Gingivitis
How Severe is Gingivitis?
Any form of gum disease should be taken seriously, and gingivitis is no exception. While the condition itself is common, it must be treated without delay to avoid the risk of it developing into a more severe form of gum disease.
Does Gingivitis Go Away on its Own?
No, gingivitis can only be reversed if you completely remove the plaque causing the inflammation. You can combat this at home by brushing thoroughly, but you should also consult your dentist for advice and thoroughly clean the gumline.
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Does Periodontal Debridement Hurt?
No. The procedure is short and painless, and it is performed under local anaesthetic. There might be some tenderness and sensitivity immediately following the procedure, but this will soon disappear.
Should I Brush Gingivitis?
Yes. One of the biggest mistakes with gingivitis is to stop brushing when you see blood. Keep brushing, paying particular attention to the affected area. If you experience soreness, try using a brush with softer bristles.
How to Tell if Gingivitis is Healing?
The most significant indicator is that inflammation and tenderness will be reduced. Another sign that gingivitis is healing is that you will notice less bleeding when you brush and floss.