What is Gingivitis - and how to treat it

As dentists, we understand that seeing blood after cleaning your toothpaste can be a little scary. More often than not, this could be a simple reason such as a small cut in your mouth. But if your gums are swollen and inflamed, the problem may be more serious.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. This most commonly happens because a layer of plaque or bacteria gathers on the teeth.

Although it's non-destructive, this doesn't mean it should be ignored. If untreated, this can lead to periodontitis - a much more serious condition which can lead to a loss of teeth.

What causes Gingivitis?

Normally, gingivitis occurs when an accumulation of plaque around and between the teeth occurs. Your body then creates an immune response, and this can lead to an attack on your gum tissue.

Dental plaque is naturally occurring - and creates a biofilm on your teeth. It's actually a bacteria - and helps protect against harmful microorganisms, but can also cause tooth decay which in turn leads to the more serious problems of gingivitis and periodontitis.

When plaque is not removed, this becomes tartar and occurs at the base of the teeth against and under the gums. Yellow in colour, this tartar irritates your gums, and it's this that causes the inflammation.

How do I know if I have Gingivitis?

The most common signals that you have gingivitis is red and puffy gums. You'll also see blood after cleaning your teeth.

How can I resolve Gingivitis myself?

Normally, a slight change to your cleaning habits can have a big effect. Either brushing your teeth for longer, or more often can resolve the problem. Antiseptic mouthwashes may also help in fighting off the inflammation.

What if this doesn't resolve the problem?

Because gingivitis can be caused by reasons other than poor dental practices, such as allergic reactions, cuts or malnutrition, if the symptoms persist, book an appointment with your dentist for their advice.

How can Brush Fresh Help?

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