Top 7 Symptoms of Gingivitis and How to Prevent Them
Gingivitis is a moderate gum disease that causes redness and inflammation in the gingiva, the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.
Early detection is critical for avoiding serious complications and slowing the progression of the disease.
What are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Here is a helpful guide to the 7 symptoms of gingivitis to help you recognise the warning signs:
1. Swollen or puffy gums
A person’s gums should feel solid to the touch if they are healthy.
However, swollen or puffy gums may indicate gingivitis and need more attention.
Inflammation alerts plaque to irritate the gums and teeth, causing a sticky film to form. The gums may swell due to plaque accumulation along the tooth and gum lines.
2. Tooth pain or sensitivity
Teeth are more vulnerable and sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks when gums peel away from the teeth.
3. Bad breath
Bad breath, commonly known as halitosis, is a sign of developing gum disease. Food particles decaying in teeth and bacteria-generating gases are the causes.
The problem can be solved by eradicating odour-producing bacteria with brushing and flossing.
4. Gum bleeding
Gingivitis can occur when your gums bleed when you floss or brush them. Plaque accumulation at the gum line, a sign of insufficient brushing or flossing, is the source of this bleeding.
Since plaque buildup can result in severe gum disease or tooth decay, it’s important to identify and treat bleeding gums.
5. Receding gums
Gum recession is a sign of a developing infection that exposes the root and leads to tooth decay. Scaling, root planing, antibiotics, and gum grafts are treatments for significantly receding gums.
6. Loose teeth
Pockets under the gum line brought on by bacterial infections lead the gum tissue to separate from the tooth root.
This might require tooth extraction because it can lead to sensitivity, pain, and decay.
Treatment involves removing the pockets, and infections are treated with medicines.
7. Having a Gum Abscess
This issue signals a serious gum infection and must be attended to immediately.
An abscess can be uncomfortable and cause swelling, fever, and other threats to your oral health.
The true risk is that the virus could spread via your bloodstream to other areas of your body.
So, visiting your dentist when you discover any symptoms of oral health issues is advised.
How Can Gingivitis Be Prevented?
Maintaining good dental health is crucial. Professional cleanings are also vital since only your Cabramatta dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar plaque that has grown up and become hardened.
Gingivitis can be prevented before it manifests by:
- Tartar buildup can be prevented and removed with proper brushing and flossing.
- Eating healthfully to ensure adequate nutrients for your teeth and jawbone
- Avoiding tobacco products like cigarettes
- Visiting your Cabramatta dentist for check-ups regularly
Oral Health in Cabramatta
Don’t ignore gingivitis signs; visit your dentist early to prevent periodontitis and tooth loss.
At Cabramatta Dental Care, we take a gentle and meticulous approach to looking after our patients.
Visit your Cabramatta dentist today!
Call us at (02) 9755 5300 or make an appointment online.
We are located at 47 Arthur St in Cabramatta.
