What Exactly Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the medical term for the earliest stage of gum disease. It is the most common type of gum disease and can lead to more serious conditions. However, gingivitis is also the most treatable and preventable type of gum disease.
What Causes Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup on your gums, which can occur if you don't have an adequate oral-health routine. Although plaque is naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth, it needs to be removed daily or it can build up to create toxins that lead to symptoms of gingivitis, along with tooth decay and even chronic bad breath.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis?
The signs and symptoms of gingivitis are relatively easy to spot. They include the following:
- Bleeding gums (especially when you brush and floss)
- Tender, swollen gums
- A receding gum line
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
How Do You Treat and Protect Against Gingivitis?
The best way to prevent gingivitis is to adopt a new oral-health routine beyond just brushing. This should include the following, twice a day, every day:
- Flossing, which loosens and removes plaque between teeth and below the gum line
- Brushing, which removes plaque on the teeth and gums
- Using a rinse, which washes away the loose plaque while killing the germs that cause gingivitis
It's really just that easy.