Gingivitis is a scary-sounding word that we are all familiar with, but not something we necessarily know how to deal with or prevent. Oahu Dental Care knows that knowledge is the best defense for gingivitis and offers the following explanation of what gingivitis and how to avoid and deal with it.

Gingivitis, simply put, is an inflammation of the gums. Some symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding from brushing or flossing, sensitivity of the gums, and swelling or redness of the gums. The plaque that forms on teeth after eating and while sleeping is the cause of the inflammation. The bacterium in the plaque creates toxins which irritate the gums, causing gingivitis. At this stage, the gingivitis can easily be reversed with a good cleaning by your dentist, and continued regular brushing and flossing practices at home can prevent the inflammation from returning.

If the gingivitis is not reversed in the early stages, it can lead to the gums pulling away and receding from the teeth. This can lead to pockets of space between teeth and gums that can trap food and more bacteria that can cause bad breath. If the pockets continue to grow, they can eat away at the bone and connective tissue and lead to the teeth becoming loose, at which point they would need to be removed.

Regular teeth cleanings and good tooth brushing and flossing habits at home are all it takes to prevent gingivitis from ever being an issue. For more information about gingivitis, and for questions about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, tooth extraction, dentures, and more, visit Oahu Dental Care online or call them at (808) 732-2821.