Gingivitis
What is Gingivitis?
Commonly known as Gum Disease, Gingivitis is inflammation and infection of the gums caused by plaque and or/ tartar build-up on teeth. Although gingivitis is a common condition and is usually not painful, it should not be ignored. Poor oral hygiene contributes to symptoms like swollen, red gums, bleeding, and bad breath. Untreated, it can progress to severe periodontal disease, risking tooth loss.
Common gum treatment options include regular professional dental cleaning, improvement in your Oral Hygiene and lifestyle changes to name a few.
Common Causes
- Plaque and Tartar (Calculus) build-up
- Plaque forms on your teeth every day as a result of bacteria feeding on sugars from the foods you consume. When plaque is not removed thoroughly enough, it can accumulate and lead to gingivitis.
- Furthermore, if the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which builds up at the gumline. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing and requires professional dental cleaning. The presence of tartar makes it more difficult to keep the gums clean and further contributes to inflammation. Severe build-up of calculus will result in recession of your gums.
- Smoking
- Smoking and using tobacco products is a significant risk factor for gum disease. Tobacco use weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off gum infections and heal from inflammation. Interestingly, smoking often results in reduced gum inflammation - hiding the signs of gum disease until it is too late.
- Misaligned Teeth (Malocclusion)
- A misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, known as malocclusion, can contribute to gum disease. When the teeth don’t align properly, you may find it more difficult to clean your teeth effectively, which results in more plaque build-up
- Medications
- Certain medications, particularly those affecting the central nervous system, can cause a dry mouth. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD have been linked to a dry mouth. A dry mouth results in increased plaque build-up due to the lack of saliva (which protects your teeth against bacteria). If you suspect your medication is contributing to your bruxism, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor. Read more about medications and plaque here.
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- The biggest contributor to Gingivitis is poor oral Hygiene. Inconsistent brushing and flossing habits are the leading cause of gingivitis. Without daily removal of plaque and food debris from the teeth and gums, bacteria can quickly multiply and lead to inflammation.
Symptoms
- Red and swollen gums
- Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen, and puffy due to inflammation. You may notice a change in the colour and texture of your gums.
- Bleeding Gums
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing, flossing, or even eating are a common sign of gingivitis. While occasional bleeding might not be alarming, frequent bleeding can indicate that your gums are inflamed and need attention.
- Tender Gums
- Gingivitis can cause your gums to feel tender or sore when touched. You may also notice discomfort when chewing or brushing your teeth. Tender gums typically come hand in hand with red, swollen and bleeding gums.
- Bad Breathe
- Persistent bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth may be a symptom of gum disease. This is often caused by the build-up of bacteria in the mouth, which produce sulphur compounds that lead to an unpleasant odour. Bad breathe may also indicate a dry mouth, which means there is a decrease of saliva resulting in the increase of bacterial build-up.
Why Choose Us
- Experienced Dentist
- Our clinic provides comprehensive teeth gum disease assessments, addressing both simple and complex cases. While our skilled Dentists assess each situation individually, there may be instances where referral to a Specialist is recommended for optimal care.
- Comprehensive Dental Care
- We have a keen focus on treating your oral health as a whole, not just focusing on your teeth! We look at everything and anything that may affect your oral health. This includes your breathing (airway), your habits, your smile, your goals, your work etc. That's our comprehensive care promise to you.
- Friendly and calming Environment
- Our caring and professional team goes the extra mile (or kilometre in Australia) to create a relaxing experience for every visit. We understand that the dentist (and hence gum treatment) can be a source of anxiety and pain for some, and we work hard to provide a calming environment for all ages.
- We have calming music playing throughout the clinic and TVs to create that serene atmosphere.
- Prevention is better than cure!
- Here at Dental at Keys, we believe that prevention is the key to optimum oral health. That's why we will teach you the best ways to reduce your gum inflammation levels.
Interested?
Contact us now on (03) 8899 6331 or check out our other services here.
Need help with payments?
We also have a variety of Payment Plans available - giving you the flexibility of paying for your gum disease treatment later.
Questions about Gum Disease?
- Is gingivitis reversible?
- Yes, gingivitis is reversible, especially when caught early. With proper oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and lifestyle changes, you can eliminate the inflammation and restore your gums to a healthy state. Advanced gum disease - is NOT and hence early detection and treatment is essential.
- Can gingivitis lead to tooth loss?
- If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis damages the bone and tissues that support the teeth, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Early treatment of gingivitis can prevent this progression.
- Does gingivitis hurt?
- Gum disease is usually not painful in its early stages, which is why many people may not realise they have it. However, you may experience gum tenderness, swelling, or discomfort if the condition worsens.
- What should I do if I think I have gum disease?
- Book an appointment with us as soon as possible because leaving a potential problem is never a good idea.
