Gingivitis is a very mild form of gum disease. It can cause your mouth to become red and swollen, and can cause bleeding. If you do not get the proper treatment for gingivitis it can escalate into periodontitis, which is a more severe level of gum disease. Usually, gingivitis doesn’t cause pain. “Gingivitis may only affect a small area of the mouth in the early stages. If it progresses, gingivitis can affect the entire mouth,” (Waterpik). Gingivitis can cause bad breath and infections. Smoking and diabetes can contribute to gum disease.
The great news is that you can prevent gingivitis! Gingivitis can be prevented by brushing your teeth twice a day, every day, and flossing daily. It is also recommended that you use toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps reduce plaque build-up. A balanced diet can help you maintain the health of your gums. Having twice-annual dental checkups can help you prevent gingivitis or catch it in its early stages. Your dentist will be able to recommend tips for brushing teeth, which will help you develop good oral hygiene habits to prevent gums diseases from occurring. It is a good idea to consume fewer drinks with sugar and use mouthwash to prevent gum disease. Using mouthwash helps kill bacteria and washes away particles that might have been missed when you were brushing your teeth.
If you think you might have gum disease or are just due for a dentist appointment, contact us. ABG Dental has been serving Elkhart and Goshen, Indiana for 17 years. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (574) 389-8300 or contact us at abgdental.net/en/elkhart/contact. You can also follow our Facebook at facebook.com/abgdental for more tips on how to keep your teeth white and mouth healthy.
