Are you suffering from swollen or bleeding gums? You may have gingivitis. According to the Canadian Dental Hygienists’ Association, about 50% of Canadians have gingivitis. Sadly, many of them don’t even know, and even those who suspect infection in their gum do not take the appropriate steps to treat and avoid it. This is a common gum disorder that comes with swelling and bleeding. This can lead to permanent tooth loss if this infection is left untreated. In this post, Smiles on Queen Family Dentistry in Bolton will share some valuable details on how gingivitis can be treated and avoided.
A few common signs of a gum infection
Gums fit tightly around your mouth and are firm when they are healthy. Moreover, infected gums are dark red, frequently tender, and swollen. Bleeding gums while brushing or flowing is a common symptom of gingivitis. Some people are also breathed poorly by the infection. Gingivitis can also lead to receding gums.
When gum disease is not treated early, it may result in periodontitis. This is a serious condition that affects your mouth’s tissues and bones and can cause tooth loss.
Causes of gingivitis
Anybody may develop gum disease, but certain factors carry certain people at a higher risk of gingivitis. Some of these factors are:
- Bad lifestyle: smoking and chewing tobacco
- Persons with bad oral hygiene (for example, persons who do not brush and flow every day)
- Hormonal changes
- Older individuals
- Dry mouth
- Genetics
- Using high blood pressure drugs or seizures
- People with diseases like HIV that impair their immune systems
- Folks with crooked teeth that are harder to keep clean
What happens if you don’t seek dental treatment early?
When you experience gingivitis and fail to seek treatment right away, you are at risk of more severe conditions like periodontitis that can lead to tooth loss. The risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and respiratory infections has also been linked with untreated gum disease.
How to prevent gum disease?
Gum diseases can be prevented when they are treated early. Moreover, good oral health care and regular dental check-ups can don’t allow the gingivitis to knock your door. Ultimately, consume nutritious foods and limiting the consumption of sugar can avoid gingivitis substantially. if you have gingivitis, contact the dentist who is the right way to handle the infection.
