Why It Is so Important to Treat Gingivitis and How to Do It

Do you ever notice that your gums bleed when you floss or brush them? Do you also notice that your gums look swollen and red and feel painful? If so, you are probably suffering from gingivitis. This condition is a stage of gum disease, and while it is only the first stage of gum disease, it is still a condition to take seriously.

Why It Happens

Developing gingivitis is actually quite common for adults, yet it is a serious condition you should not ignore. It forms in your mouth when bacteria from plaque seeps between your teeth and your gums. This bacteria causes an infection to form which irritates the gums. It will eat away at the gums, creating big pockets in these areas, and progressively worsen if you do not treat it. You can prevent gingivitis by going to the dentist regularly, avoiding the wrong foods, and properly caring for your teeth and gums.

The Effects If Ignored

While gingivitis is not as serious as other stages of gum disease, it is still important to treat it, as ignoring it will not make it go away. In fact, ignoring it will only cause the condition to become worse, and this means that it will eventually move from this stage of gum disease to other stages, which are more serious. If you leave it untreated, it could become so bad that it gets into your jawbone and begins eating away at it. It could also become so bad that you end up losing teeth in your mouth because they will not have the support of the gums and bone that they need to stay in place.

Treatment options for it

If you are diagnosed with gingivitis, there are several treatment options you may need. The first is one that your dentist would have to perform, and it is called scaling and root planing. The basic principle of this procedure involves cleaning out the bacteria and plaque from the pockets between the teeth and gums.

Another way to treat it is by using a prescription mouth rinse, which is designed to target and kill the bacteria found in your gums when you have gingivitis. Additionally, you may need to visit a dentist every few months to have your teeth cleaned if you have gingivitis.

If you have questions about the health of your mouth or suspect you have this condition, visit a dental clinic at a time that is convenient for your schedule. There are many dental clinics that you can look into, such as Brandywine Dental Care


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