When you visit the dentist, an essential part of the exam is screening for gingivitis. A common form of gum disease, gingivitis can lead to severe complications, including tooth loss, if left untreated. Understanding the condition, what causes it, and what you can do to prevent it will help you avoid problems, and maintain a healthy smile.

What Is Gingivitis?

When we eat, the starches and sugars in food interact with the bacteria in our mouth to create plaque, a sticky substance that forms a film over the teeth and gums. If you don’t remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. Tartar essentially creates a shield for the plaque, allowing it to build up and irritate your gums. This irritation is called gingivitis, as it hurts the gingiva, or gum tissue surrounding your teeth. The longer plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, the more irritated your gums become, eventually becoming swollen, red, and tender. Gingivitis also causes your gums to bleed more easily.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Gingivitis most commonly occurs because of poor oral hygiene. Removing plaque with daily brushing and flossing can prevent most cases of gingivitis, but you should also visit your dentist regularly to have tartar removed. Tartar usually requires professional removal, so you should see your dentist for professional cleanings to prevent buildup that can lead to problems. However, other factors, such as using tobacco, stress, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, and certain medications, can also contribute to gingivitis.

How Can I Prevent Gingivitis?

Being proactive with your teeth and practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid gingivitis. Brush using an anti-gingivitis toothpaste for at least 2 minutes per day, and don't forget to floss. Your dentist may also recommend an anti-gingivitis mouth rinse if you have signs of infection. Be vigilant for signs of gum disease, such as sore gums after brushing, bleeding, or changes in their color or texture. If you have symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist for an exam. Gingivitis is treatable, and prompt care will prevent more concerning problems. 

Preventing gingivitis starts with excellent dental care, and you can find that at Arrow Dental Care. Serving patients in the St. Peters and Ellisville, MO, area, the experienced and compassionate providers here offer a range of services, from general dentistry to teeth whitening, emergency dentistry, and dental implants. If you are looking for a new dentist to help protect your smile, visit their website to learn more about their practice, or call (636) 441-6999 for the St. Peters office or (636) 220-7770 for Ellisville to schedule a convenient appointment.