Dr. Henricksen

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. It is an inflammation of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can be a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Gingivitis can sometimes be painless and, therefore, people may be unaware they have it. To help avoid gingivitis, regular visits to your dentist, brushing twice a day, and rinsing can help control plaque and gingivitis.

Causes of Gingivitis

One of the leading causes of gingivitis is plaque. Plaque is a sticky bacteria that builds up if your teeth are not brushed regularly. This can create toxins that damage your teeth and gums.

Signs of Gingivitis

Some things to look out for when checking for gingivitis include inflamed, red or bleeding gums. If you suspect you may have gingivitis, call the office today to schedule an appointment.

Recommendations On How To Prevent Gingivitis

The first step to helping prevent gingivitis is to remove the bacterial plaque from your teeth. To do this, try the following dental health routine:

* Brush twice a day with a power toothbrush to help remove plaque.

* Use toothpastes that contain fluoride, a powerful agent that helps combat the acid attack from plaque that builds up on teeth throughout the day

* Follow with a mouthwash that helps get those hard-to-reach places that plaque bacteria can hide in.

* Finish your routine by flossing to help get in between teeth.

* Don’t forget to visit us regularly for a checkup and to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.

 

 

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