You know by now that sore and bleeding gums are not normal and may be a sign that you have gingivitis, a very common dental condition that can be easily treated by your dentist if visited at the appropriate time. Failure to do so may make your gingivitis turn into something much more serious: a gum disease called periodontitis, which can then lead to infections and tooth loss.
50% of people have gingivitis and it’s because there are many risk factors for developing it. Such factors include:
- Smoking
- Dry mouth
- Old age
- Poor dental restorations
- Poor dental hygiene
- Hormones
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Immunodeficiency diseases
- Medications
With so many risk factors, it’s important to do everything you can in order to prevent gingivitis from happening. Such methods include:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing once a day
- Visiting your dentist bi-yearly
- Eating healthy foods
- Cutting back on/quitting smoking
But say you already have gingivitis. What can you do to treat it? Well, there are a few methods, both at home and at the dentist’s that are available. Treatments for gingivitis include:
- Antibacterial mouthwash and toothpaste
- Using an electric toothbrush
- Deep cleaning
- Prescriptions
Should you suspect that you have gingivitis, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to figure out the best treatment plan.
