Gingivitis is a common gum disease that causes the inflammation of gums. Apart from inflammation, there are a lot of other signs associated with gingivitis as well. It is the initial stage of Periodontitis. Some causes of gingivitis include plaque buildup, having diabetes, hormonal changes, smoking, family history of gum diseases etc. If left untreated, this gum disease can get extremely severe and result in periodontitis.
Let us study the signs of gingivitis in detail:
- Gum Inflammation and Discoloration : Inflamed gums are a major identifier of gum diseases. They can look like there is swelling on your gums. When it comes to color, gums are supposed to be coral pink. However, when an individual suffers from gum diseases, their gums take on darker hues like red or sometimes even black.
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Tender Gums : Gums should feel firm in their place when touched. On the other hand, people with gum diseases have tender and spongy gums. They hurt every time you brush or floss.
- Receding Gums : Gum diseases can lead your gums to pull away from your teeth which looks like the teeth are longer than normal.
- Halitosis or Bad Breath : Continuous bad breath can be a sign of gingivitis. The bacteria causes gum inflammation and foul smelling substances.
- Bleeding Gums : There is nothing as serious as bleeding gums to identify gum diseases. You can especially notice this when you are brushing or flossing your teeth. This happens because the gums are inflamed and extra sensitive.
The impact of gingivitis on oral health is as serious as its symptoms. Let us explore the consequences of this severe gum disease.
- Periodontitis : Untreated gingivitis can result in developing a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. It is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues around the teeth. It also mainly contributes to tooth loss for adults. Periodontal pockets are also formed during this process.
- Tooth Loss : Gingivitis alone cannot lead to tooth loss. However, untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease which eventually when worsens, can for sure lead to tooth loss.
- Receding Gums : Gingivitis destroys the gum tissues around the teeth. This leads to receding gums. Receding gums are a condition in which your gums pull back from the tooth surface, exposing the root surfaces of your teeth.
- Abscesses Formation : Severe gum disease can lead to the formation of abscesses (painful collection of pus) in the gums, which can cause severe pain and swelling.
- Impact on Overall Health : Research shows that there is a major link between gum diseases and your overall health. Gum diseases contribute to diseases like diabetes, stroke, heart diseases, respiratory diseases, pregnancy complications etc. The oral bacteria can travel from the bloodstream to different organs eventually ruining the immune system.
Preventing gum disease can sound like a lot of work, however, it is actually a matter of just 4 steps. Make sure to include the 4 must-haves of oral hygiene in your routine in order to prevent yourself from oral diseases. These are:
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Power Brushing with the help of an electric toothbrush by ORACURA will clean around your teeth efficiently.
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Flossing regularly with an electric flosser will remove plaque and food debris.
- Tongue Scraping reduces bad breath.
- Gum Massaging stimulates blood flow and keeps your gums healthy and your mouth fresh.
Keep Smiling !
