Gingivitis: The Facts

By |2018-12-17T10:48:59+00:00December 17th, 2018|Uncategorised|0 Comments

Gingivitis, or gum disease, is a painful and irritating condition in which the gums become inflamed and may bleed when teeth are brushed. It is usually resolved with good oral hygiene, but if untreated, may develop into periodontitis, which can affect tissue, teeth and bones, and lead to loss of teeth.

Gingivitis often results from an accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can irritate the gums. It is also common when hormonal changes are taking place, such as during puberty, pregnancy, the menstrual cycle and the menopause, and when there are diseases that lower immunity in the body. Some drugs, and cigarettes, may dramatically increase the risk of gingivitis, and a family history of the condition may also increase the likelihood of developing it.

How To Treat Gingivitis:

  1. Visit your dentist. Your dentist will carry out an examination to check the severity of the gum disease,
    and will remove plaque and tartar with a professional clean and scale. Your dentist will talk to you about your dental care routine,
    and may show you how to brush your teeth or floss more effectively.
  2. Change your oral hygiene routine. Your dentist may recommend using an electric toothbrush rather than a
    manual brush, which is probably not as efficient at cleaning. You should always brush your teeth twice a day, and especially before you
    go to bed, to ensure that there are no sugars sitting on your teeth overnight.
  3. Look at your diet. If you eat a lot of sugary, processed foods, these can cause poor oral health and irritate
    sensitive gums. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a very important way to maintain the
    health of your body and your teeth and gums.
  4. Floss. Much of the plaque that leads to gingivitis is caused by a buildup of food and debris between the teeth.
    Flossing can help to remove this buildup, and you should floss daily for best effect. If flossing hurts, talk to your dentist or try using
    dental tape, which is narrower and may fit between your teeth more easily.
  5. Use mouthwash. You should talk to dentist about the use of mouthwash to reduce your risk of gingivitis, but
    do not use a mouthwash that you have not discussed with your dentist since it may contain harmful additives. Mouthwash can be useful to help
    keep the mouth clean, and to kill harmful bacteria which can lead to gingivitis.

Find The Right Cork Dentist For Your Family

If you’re searching for a Cork Dentist who can advise you on all aspects of your oral health and help you to keep your teeth looking and feeling great, look no further than Guiney Dental Clinic. Our experienced and friendly team will be delighted to hear from you, so call today on 021-481 0535.