Gingivitis refers to a painless gum disease resulting from the accumulation of plaque in your teeth. This is a sticky colorless substance containing bacteria. It produces a series of toxins which irritate the gum tissues surrounding your teeth. This causes the gums to swell, become red and puffy. You get a bad breath, which can be embarrassing in the presence of other people.
Moreover, the gums might even start to bleed every time you brush your teeth. Immediately visit your local dentist if you exhibit the symptoms of gingivitis. Otherwise, you may end up suffering a serious gum condition known as periodontitis or tooth loss.
Dr. Kami Hoss – What are the common causes of gingivitis and how to prevent this gum disease?
Dr. Kami Hoss is a popular dentist from Chula Vista, California, with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in general dentistry and orthodontics. He has the distinction of being a member of the board of counselors at UCLA School of Dentistry from where he completed his graduation too. He is currently the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Super Dentists- a prominent dental clinic operating in the San Diego area of California.
An insight into gingivitis
He says gingivitis is one of the first symptoms of tooth decay. The accumulation of plaque between your teeth is the primary cause of this painless gum disease. However, it can also result from any one or more of the following reasons:
- The onset of hormonal changes in women due to pregnancy, monthly menstruation, menopause or puberty,
- Developing a bad habit of smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco regularly,
- Suffering from stress and anxiety,
- People with lifestyle diseases like cancer, human immunodeficiency syndrome or diabetes are at greater risk of developing gingivitis,
- Aging process
- Consuming a diet which is deficient in vitamin C, and
- Effects of having certain over-the-counter anticonvulsant and anti-angina medicines.
He further points out the following oral healthcare tips you should adopt to prevent the occurrence of gingivitis:
- Brush your teeth regularly with fluoride anti-gingivitis toothpaste at least twice a day,
- You should remember to change your toothbrush every three months to remove plaque thoroughly,
- After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to remove plaque,
- Use floss to remove food particles stuck between your teeth even if your gums start to bleed, and
- Visit your local dentist for a thorough check-up and professional dental cleaning.
Dr. Kami Hoss concludes by saying that the onset of gingivitis can lead to tooth loss and periodontitis at a later stage if you ignore it and do not visit the dentist. This is the reason why you must prevent the occurrence of this painless gum disease by practicing good oral health care. For this, you need to brush your teeth thoroughly at least two times a day. In doing so, you should use a fluoride anti-gingivitis toothpaste. You should also remember to change your toothbrush every three months. After brushing your teeth, you should remove any further food particles between your teeth with floss. Moreover, you should visit your dentist once every six months for a dental check-up to ensure you have no dental issues or gum problems.
