You may have heard the word gingivitis before, but do you know what it is and what to do if you have it? Gingivitis can make your gums swell, hurt or bleed when you brush, and it can make your breath smell. If you've noticed these symptoms, you may have gingivitis. But don't be scared! It's treatable and often reversible. And the best part is that you can start treating gingivitis in three steps:
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Professional and preventative cleanings from your dentist
How Do You Get Gingivitis?
Gingivitis occurs when bacteria build up around your gumline causes your gums to become inflamed. That inflammation causes your gums to bleed easier than healthy tissue. Your dentist wants you to take care of your teeth when you show signs of gingivitis like bleeding gums because it's an early stage of gum disease. If you start reversing gingivitis with brushing, flossing and professional cleaning now, it can save you worry and more serious treatments later.