Blog

Know Gingivitis to Protect Your Teeth and Gums

Inflammation in gums caused by bacterial infection is referred to as gingivitis. Unattended, it can become a severe problem known as periodontitis. Gingivitis and periodontics are amongst the top reasons for tooth loss in adults. Gingivitis affects not only your oral health, but also your overall health because it is associated with several diseases.

A bad thing about gingivitis is, most people don’t even know they have gingivitis in the beginning because of its mild symptoms.The best way to identify gingivitis before it becomes serious is to visit your dentist in Surrey. Visit your dentist once or twice a year for a dental checkup, and they will let you know if they discover a dental problem.

Risk Factors for Gingivitis:

1. Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
2. Crooked Teeth
3. Poorly Fit Dental Appliances
4. Broken Fillings
5. Pregnancy
6. Genetic factors
7. Diseases such as cancer and diabetes
8. Several medications such as anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and steroids,
9. Vitamin C deficiency

Symptoms of Gingivitis

1. Red, swollen gums
2. Bleeding during brushing or flossing
3. Gums pulled away from your teeth
4. Pus between your teeth and gums
5. Pain while chewing something
6. Sensitivity
7. Persistent bad breath
8. A change in the way your teeth fit together
9. Receding Gums

Diagnosis

Visit your dentist in Surrey. They will check your mouth for symptoms, such as plaque and tarter build up. If your dentist in Surrey feels a need for dental X-ray, they will recommend it to you.

Treatment

Gingivitis can be treated in three ways – by cleaning your teeth, medications, and surgery. Your dentist Surrey will determine the correct method for you after examining the condition of your gums.

Cleaning Teeth

There are many teeth cleaning techniques that can remove plaque or tarter to prevent gum irritation. For example, scaling, root planning, and lasers. Your dentist in Surrey will decide the correct method based on their findings.

Medications

Your dentist in Surrey may prescribe medications such as antiseptic mouthwash, antiseptic chips, antibiotic microspheres, oral antibiotics, and Doxycycline.

Surgery

Your dentist may perform gum surgery to treat your gingivitis if they feel other treatment methods are no longer effective enough.

Protection from Gingivitis

Proper oral care such as quality brushing twice a day after meals and flossing before going to bed at night are crucial to avoid gingivitis. It is also necessary to have a balanced diet.

Health Conditions Associated With Gingivitis

Unattended Gingivitis can lead to various health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. A pregnant woman suffering from gingivitis may bear a premature or low birth weight infant.

So, pay full attention to your oral health and visit your dentist at least once a year to have your oral health inspection.

We care about your smile! Book an Appointment

604-591-3060 Surrey Dentist Appointment Request an Appointment