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Symptoms And Causes Of Gingivitis

Are The Causes Of Gingivitis And Gum Disease Really All That Common?

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis by your dentist, don’t worry. It is very treatable and quite coommon among adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost half of all adults in America have some form of gum disease. That percentage skyrockets as we get older with nearly 70% of adults over 65 having some form of periodontal disease. The causes of gingivitis varies from patient to patient.

Gingivitis occurs when the gums become inflammed and swollen. They might appear puffy around the teeth and you may even experience some slight bleeding when brushing. It is a very treatable condition. However, if left untreated, it could develop into periodontis, which is a more serious infection in the mouth that can cause severe pain and tooth loss.

What Do The Causes Of Gingivitis Do To My Teeth?

Early stages of gingivitis often produce little to know symptoms, which can make it hard to spot in the beginning. Healthy gums are pink and fit tight around your teeth. If you see red swollen gums, it could mean that the causes of gingivitis are starting to show. You should contact us and make an ppointment if younotice any of the following:

  • Loose teeth
  • A receding gum line
  • Consistent bad breath
  • Gums that are dark red or even purple
  • Increased sensitivity in your teeth
  • Swollen gums
  • Gums that tend to bleed when you brush or floss
  • Gums that are painful to the touch
  • New and growing spaces between your teeth
Dental And Denture Care Center Causes Of Ginigivitis

What Are Some Common Causes Of Gingivitis?

The main causes of gingivitis is due to bacterial plaque that builds up on the teeth. Plaque is a colorless and sticky organic film that builds up on the teeth near the gum line. Every time you eat, the sugars and starches in the foods we eat comingle with the bacteria that exists in our mouth. This leads to the build up of plaque. Over consumption of sugar can accellerate this process. Regular proper brushing can remove most of the plaque on a daily basis. However, plaque is always building on the teeth. So, it is important to develop a consistent routine of good oral hygeine habits at home. If the plaque is not removed, it can build into hardened calified deposits called tartar. Our dentist can remove tartar from the gumline at your routine dental exams and teeth cleaning.

When bacteria is present in plaque, it can be very irritating to the gumline. This leads to the beginning stages of gingivitis. As a result, you may start to notice swelling in the gums or slight bleeding when flossing and brushing. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more advanced periodontal disease and ultimately the develoopment of an infection in the jaw bone.

Treating The Causes Of Gingivitis

Gum disease starts as gingivitis and is completely preventable by using proper brushing and flossing techiniques. Routine visits to the dentist for teeth cleaning is also an important step in the prevention of any causes of gingivitis. If you cut corners on your oral health, there’s a good chance bacteria and plaque will continue to develop into painful periodontitis.

It is quite possible to have gingivitis without experiencing any symptoms. If it has been a while since your last visit to the dentist, call our office today at (352) 848-1050 and come in for an exam and cleaning. You can contact us on our website here as well. Our comittment is providing you with the best smile of your life. Call us today for an appointment.