Gingivitis
In simple words, gingivitis is defined as gum inflammation. An early stage of gum disease if ignored can progress and cause more severe oral health diseases.
Causes: Gingivitis is caused by Bacteria that build up as plaque around the tooth surface if the oral cavity is not properly taken care of.
What is plaque: Dental plaque is a sticky, biofilm of bacteria that develops around teeth and it happens to everyone. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease. This bacteria feeds off sugars left from food on teeth thus producing an acidic environment in the oral cavity. Acid attacks the tooth enamel and causes it to break down.
The only best way to deal with it is proper brushing and flossing twice a day with mouth rinsing after every meal, especially after the intake of sweet food.
Symptoms: Healthy gums are pink in color and firm in texture while touching, brushing, massaging, and flossing. While unhealthy gums can show up any of the following symptoms:
● Red, swollen, and painful gums
● Painful while touching, talking, swallowing, and drinking water
● Bleeding from gums
● Sensitive teeth due to gum shrinkage
Bad breath (Halitosis): If the symptoms are ignored Gingivitis can progress either into ANUG (Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis) or severe Periodontitis which can lead to Bone loss, and tooth loss too.
Prevention: Mild and early stages of gingivitis can be cured with simple precautions and techniques.
1) Scheduling visits to the dentist every 6 months for regular check-ups.
2) Professional cleaning from Dentist or Hygienist to remove tartar buildup around the tooth.
3) Learning the proper technique of Brushing, flossing.
4) Making the habit of brushing teeth twice a day.
5) Limiting the amount of sticky, sweet, and acidic food and beverages.
6) Consuming a minimum of 2 liters of water per day.
7) Engaging with more fruits and vegetables in the diet.
8) Rinsing the mouth with normal water after every meal.
Treatment: In its early stage, it can be treated by routine dental checkups and Professional cleaning at the dental clinic if required.
1. Scaling at an early stage prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar formation around the tooth surface and prevents the progression of gum disease.
2. One must quit smoking, too much alcohol intake, and tobacco use in any form.
3. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush.
Dentist would prescribe Medications in the form of Oral Antibiotics, Analgesics Topical antibiotics, or Xylocaine gel for infection and pain relief if required.
Home remedies:
A Salt water rinses: It reduces bacterial multiplication, inflammation, pain, swelling, and bad breath.
Method - Take 1/2 teaspoonful of salt and mix it in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Swish for 30 seconds to 1 minute and spit. Repeat it 2- 3 times a day during the early stage of gingivitis and after Professional cleaning for 2-3 days.
Massaging the gums: Massaging the gums regularly twice a day regulates blood flow and thus prevents swelling, pain, and bleeding from the gums
A Final note: Gingivitis is the most common gum disease which is reversible in the early stage of diagnosis. Moreover, prevention only requires maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene and regular visit to a Dentist for oral cavity checkups. If ignored it progresses to a more severe form of gum disease. So keep your Oral hygiene at bay and rock your Oral health status.
