Don’t Let Gingivitis Grill Your Gums!

WHAT IS GINGIVITIS? 

Does your gum seem red and swollen? 

Has bad breath become an unwelcome companion?  

Despite your efforts to brush, do you find that it only leads to bleeding instead of improvement?

If these issues persist, your healthcare professional may diagnose you with gingivitis, the true culprit behind your inflamed gums.

Gingivitis is an oral disease that develops by affecting the soft tissue on the gum around the base of your teeth.

“A recent CDC report provides the following data related to the prevalence of periodontitis in the U.S.

42% of adults have some form of gum disease. Among adults aged 65 and older, the rate of gum disease increases to 60%.”

It can be managed, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease and bring a series of unpleasant problems. This involves identifying the signs, and detecting gingivitis early so that it can be treated appropriately. There are two types of gingivitis, namely- 

• Dental plaque-induced gingivitis– It is influenced by some medications, hormonal issues, and nutritional deficiencies
• Non-plaque-induced gingival lesions– It is caused by specific fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Allergies and existing health issues can also contribute to gingivitis resulting in wounds, genetics, and reactions to dentures or other foreign bodies

In the next section, we will go into gingivitis in greater depth and give you a comprehensive summary of all the most crucial data you need to know about this gum condition.

HOW DOES GUM INFLAMMATION TURNS YOUR LIFE UPSIDE DOWN

From the moment you wake up, gingivitis starts playing its cards. You run your tongue over tender, inflamed gums, feeling a subtle ache that persists throughout the day. Brushing your teeth becomes a delicate dance, navigating around the sensitive areas that protest against the bristles. The simple act of maintaining oral hygiene becomes a reminder of the battle unfolding within your mouth.

As you step out into the world, gingivitis casts its shadow on your social interactions. It whispers self-consciousness in your ear, urging you to hide your smile. You become hyper-aware of the redness and swelling that have taken residence in your gums, fearing that others will notice and judge. Your confidence wavers, and moments of genuine laughter become fleeting as you become preoccupied with hiding your dental secret.

But gingivitis doesn’t limit its influence to your mouth alone. It can affect your overall well-being. The chronic inflammation present in gingivitis has been linked to systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Like a mischievous domino, gingivitis sets off a chain reaction, impacting various aspects of your health and leaving you vulnerable.

The discomfort, the bleeding gums, the persistent bad breath—they become constant companions, robbing you of the simple pleasures. Your favourite foods lose their appeal as chewing becomes an exercise in discomfort. 

As time goes by, the weight of gingivitis becomes an anchor, pulling down your quality of life. And to help you with it, we’ll take you through the symptoms to help you understand gingivitis better. 

FINDING THE  LINGERING GHOST IN THE DARK- SYMPTOMS BEHIND GINGIVITIS

Gingivitis can be like a ghost lingering in the dark, it builds up with time, and you wouldn’t notice it until you feel the pain. So, here are some symptoms to look out for-

• Noticing blood while brushing or flossing.
• Inflamed, soft, and sensitive gums.
• Gum losing its grip around your teeth.
• Remember Phoebe singing smelly cat? In this case, it is bad breath.
• A consistent pathetic taste in your mouth.
• Loose and separated teeth.
• Pain while chewing food.
• Teeth sensitivity.

Now that you are aware of the symptoms, you need to understand the stage of gingivitis as it can help you to pick the right course of treatment.

GINGIVITIS VS. PERIODONTITIS THE RELATIVE YOU HATE!

Remember the annoying relative that visited you without letting you know prior to their arrival? And they would even find ways to extend their stay! 

Eventually, gingivitis builds up without any warning, and can even develop into periodontitis, also known as pyorrhoea.

Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease that occurs at an early stage. You can also have a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that accumulate on your teeth and allow bacteria to enter the gums.

Periodontitis is an advanced form of untreated gingivitis, and the American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that more than 40% of Americans over the age of 30 have chronic periodontitis. 

In this stage of periodontal disease, the plague let’s bacteria fester in the gum on the base of your teeth, causing inflammation and the destruction of tissue and bone around the affected area. You may notice your teeth loosening at this stage. 

To slow the progression of this gum disease, you can adopt healthy habits discussed further. So, let’s take charge of your oral health by taking precautionary measures.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: HOW TO CONTROL THE INFLUENCE OF GINGIVITIS?

Controlling gingivitis is easy, all you have to do is, adopt the following in your regular lifestyle-

• Brush and floss twice a day (morning and night) to prevent it from advancing to periodontitis. 
• Regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings might also help. 
• Quitting smoking lowers your risk of developing this condition.  

While you should constantly look for indicators of gum disease when brushing and flossing, keep in mind that there may be no discomfort until the disease has progressed to an advanced level.

That is why it is advisable to visit your dentist on a regular basis to get your teeth cleaned. Your dentist can monitor your oral health and assist you in identifying and treating problems before it worsens.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR ORAL HEALTH WITH GINGIVITIS

Though it might be scary and uncomfortable, we at Berkers have experts who understand your condition and can help you find that lost smile. Don’t let gingivitis take a toll on you, you are more than the inflamed gums!

To take charge of your oral health, contact Berkers Family Dentistry and schedule a session to preserve your beautiful smile today.