How to Cure Gingivitis

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When bacteria build up around your gum line, they create a layer of plaque: a soft, sticky and colourless film. Plaque that goes untreated can harden and turn into tartar. Plaque and tartar both cause gum disease. In its earliest stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. A large scale oral health survey of Singaporean adults conducted by the Health Promotion Board in 2003 showed that 85% of the adults examined had signs of mild to moderately severe forms of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a later stage of gum disease called periodontitis. This more severe form of gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen or even fall out. That's why it's so important to address signs of gingivitis right away.

The best way to catch gum disease early is to visit your dental professional for regular check-ups because it's possible to have gingivitis and not show any symptoms at all. Once the effects become perceptible, you may experience:

• Swollen gums
• Soft puffy gums
• Receding gums
• Occasionally tender gums
• Gums that bleed when flossing or brushing
• A change in gum colour from pink to red
• Persistent bad taste in your mouth
• Loose teeth
• And persistent bad breath.

If you notice any irregularities or sensitivities in the health of your gums, don't wait until your next check-up – make an appointment with a dental professional right away.

The leading cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. By taking care of your mouth, you're best positioned to have healthy, disease-free gums. But there are other risk factors too.

• Certain lifestyle choices can increase the risk of getting gingivitis, like:
  Smoking
  Poor oral hygiene
  Unhealthy diet
  Obesity
  And stress
  
• Age
  Studies conducted in the US and other countries around the world have shown that a high percentage of the elderly (over 65 years old) have moderate or severe periodontal disease.
• Medications
  Some medications can have adverse effects on your oral health. Speak with a medical professional about any potential side effects your medicine could have.
• Diseases
  Other medical conditions can increase your risk of gum disease, like:
  Diabetes
  Osteoporosis
  Cardiovascular disease
  And pregnancy complications can all contribute to periodontal disease.

Other illnesses are being evaluated for possible connections to gum disease, including pancreatic cancer, pulmonary disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gingivitis. Some care tips:

• Brush 2x a day
  If regular brushing is already part of your routine, double-check if you are using the correct technique. Your healing gums might require a gentler touch first, so make sure you are using a soft-bristled brush and applying the right amount of pressure.
• Clean between your teeth once a day
  Use a water flosser, interdental brush or floss to get between your teeth and under your gum line to remove irritants like bacteria and food debris and help reduce inflammation.
• Add a mouth rinse for extra protection
  An over-the-counter antimicrobial mouth rinse will help you treat infection and control bacterial growth in your mouth too. Ask your dental professional for their recommendation.

And be sure to see your dental professional for regular appointments – not only to keep your teeth pearly white but to check on the health of your gums too.

If you're not showing any symptoms of gingivitis and you have gum disease, your dental professional will be able to diagnose you at your next appointment. If you are experiencing symptoms, call your dental professional to see if they recommend coming in for a visit right away. Your dental professional will be able to give you a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and under your gum line. If the plaque calcifies, your teeth might require a more advanced technique called scaling and root planing.

Your dental professional will do more than clean your teeth. They will examine your mouth for any other abnormalities and make recommendations that might make it easier for you to clean your gums and teeth at home. For more severe cases, your dental professional might use a dental probe to measure any pockets that develop at your gum line to see if your condition is progressing toward periodontitis.

If you're searching for a gingivitis home remedy, you may have read that turmeric and sage have beneficial properties for your gums. While there have been studies that show benefits to your gum health, the best way to ensure you reverse your gum disease so it doesn't develop into a more severe condition is to visit your dental professional.

If you notice any tenderness, swelling or bleeding in your gums, call your dental professional for an appointment. By detecting gingivitis symptoms early and seeking treatment, you can quickly and easily relieve your symptoms and restore your gum health to a condition you can smile about.