Gingivitis is a dental concern characterized by inflamed gums. Midtown Gingivitis occurs due to poor hygiene and lifestyle choices that affect the health of your gums leading to inflammation. Also known as periodontal disease, gingivitis should be treated early to avoid life-threatening complications.

You are at risk of developing gingivitis if you are pregnant, use tobacco, have diabetes, have old fillings, or improperly fitted bridges.

Symptoms

Normal, healthy gums are light pink, but you can have the following symptoms if you have gingivitis:

• Tender gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• A receding gumline
• Swollen puffy gums
• Bright red gums

Ways you can minimize the risk of developing gingivitis

The following are seven ways you can prevent or reduce your risk of getting gum disease:

1.      Brush twice daily

You should brush your teeth at least twice daily. However, consider brushing after every meal if you have braces or aligners. Use gentle but firm strokes to clean your teeth and tongue. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing.

2.      Floss daily

While toothbrushes remove food particles from your teeth, sometimes food particles can get stuck in your teeth. In such instances, you should floss to get the food remains out of hard-to-reach places in your mouth. By doing so, you discourage the thriving of bacteria.

3.      Hydrate

Maintaining a high level of hydration helps hydrate your body and rinse food particles from your mouth. If you have eaten sugary foods, water will help to remove the sugar from your teeth, reducing the risk of developing cavities.

4.      Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet that promotes healthy teeth and gums includes raw and crunchy foods like apples, carrots, and celery. You can also have calcium-rich foods like milk to promote healthy teeth.

5.      Limit sugar intake

Avoid acidic and sugary foods to minimize the risk of gingivitis. Cakes, sweets, and carbonated drinks can affect your tooth’s enamel and wear it down, which can lead to cavities and tooth sensitivity.

6.      Use an antiseptic mouthwash

An antiseptic mouthwash helps kill bacteria, and you can use it to rinse your mouth after brushing. Use the recommended amount, gargle in your mouth for about two minutes, and spit it out. It also freshens your breath.

7.      Attend regular dental cleanings

Attending routine checkups can help your doctor catch and identify infections in the early stages. They can help with early treatment and prevention measures to ensure you don’t get such diseases in the future.

Risks and complications of untreated gingivitis

While untreated gingivitis can lead to jawbone wasting and tooth loss, it can also lead to cardiovascular disease. In the advanced stages of gingivitis, the infection spreads to other parts of your body, leading to other problems like inflammation and pain. When you visit your dentist for a routine checkup, they can offer gum disease trays, scaling, or root planing as treatment.

If you have gum disease or gingivitis, visit Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates, for treatment. The available dental specialists will evaluate your gums and teeth before creating a treatment plan. Call or schedule your appointment online to improve your oral health.