What You Should Know About Gingivitis

Do your gums bleed when brushing or flossing? It could be due to gingivitis, a common gum condition that three out of four Americans develop at some point in their lifetime.

What is gingivitis? 

Gingivitis is a condition that causes inflammation of ‘gingiva’ the clinical term for gums. When not treated in time, gingivitis can lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis, where the bones and ligaments of the teeth get infected.

Symptoms of gingivitis

Healthy gums are pale pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. The typical signs of gingivitis include:

  • Swollen gums
  • Gums that are dark red in color
  • Bleeding easily from gums when brushing or flossing
  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Tender gums

What are the causes and risk factors for gingivitis?

Poor oral hygiene is often the most common cause that encourages the build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a pale yellow or colorless sticky film that is formed when sugars and starches in food combine with bacteria found normally in your mouth. Plaque is formed four to twelve hours after brushing.  In the absence of good oral and dental care, it turns into tartar that can be removed only by dentists. The plaque irritates the gums over time and causes gingivitis.

Regular dental checks performed by qualified dentists are the best way to prevent gingivitis. If you have any of the symptoms listed above or wish to know more about gingivitis, visit a reputed dental practice in San Marcos, California.
