Everyone wants to have shiny, white teeth and pink, healthy gums, but many people do not go through the proper steps to achieve it. If you do not have a strict dental hygiene regimen, you can easily develop gingivitis, which is one of the first stages of gum disease. Fortunately, gingivitis is easy to treat and reverse, but it is a health issue that you need to take seriously. If you do not go through the steps to treat gingivitis, you potentially lose one or more teeth.
Causes
Gingivitis is a very common oral hygiene issue and occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene is a common cause of gingivitis, which includes inconsistent brushing and flossing. Many times irregular visits to the dentist is a cause of gingivitis, so it is essential that you have check-ups at least twice a year for a cleaning. Smoking, stress, and puberty are factors that increase the risk of developing gingivitis.
Symptoms
Gingivitis is fairly obvious to notice, but it is critical that you take action when you notice the symptoms. Healthy gums are firm and tight as well as a pale pink color. So, gums are affected by gingivitis are swollen, dark red, and bleed easily after brushing. It important that you seek dental attention when you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms. The last thing you want is to develop periodontal disease, which is the most serious form of gum disease.
Prevention
As mentioned a few times in this blog, it is critical that you visit your dentist at least one to times a year for regular checkups. You should also be brushing your teeth at least twice a day with antimicrobial toothpaste. Make sure that you are brushing your tongue because plaque tends to build up in that area of your mouth. Do not forget to floss between your teeth because you tend to remove plaque that a toothbrush fails to do.
Oral Care from Catonsville Dental Care
Whether you want to whiten your teeth, straighten your teeth or have a wisdom tooth extracted Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and commitment to comfort, safety and relaxation you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.