Gingivitis is the most basic form of gum disease. It affects many people in the United Kingdom and, while not particularly serious in itself, it can lead to worse problems if left untreated.
The signs of gingivitis include reddening, swelling and even bleeding in the gums. You might find that gingivitis causes greater sensitivity when you are eating and drinking hot or cold foods. Brushing your teeth or flossing of you have gingivitis might cause small amounts of bleeding from the gums and you may be subject to odd tastes in the mouth and bad breath.
Gingivitis is caused by an excess build up of plaque on the gum line of your teeth. This causes your sensitive gums to weaken and the nerves to be affected, causing the pain when consuming hot or cold substances.
Many people are able to cure their gingivitis simply by visiting the dentist and receiving advice about how they can improve their home, dental hygiene routine. By brushing more effectively and using fluoride tooth paste you can lessen your chances of contracting gingivitis and even rid the mouth of it, should it occur. Flossing is also very important as plaque can easily find a home between the teeth where tooth brushes cannot reach.
Sometimes dentists recommend that special mouth wash is used to combat gingivitis as this can help to combat the build up of plaque. By refraining from smoking tobacco you give your mouth a better chance of fighting against gum disease because smoke in your mouth can irritate your gums and hinder the production of saliva, one of your natural defences against plaque.
If plaque is allowed to build up and then harden it can form tartar. This can only be removed by a professional clean at your dental surgery and might be recommended as part of the treatment of gingivitis.
Gingivitis is not particularly serious in itself but it can lead to more severe problems with your gums. In light of this it is important that you stay alert to the health of your gums and report and bleeding, redness, swelling or excess sensitivity to your dentist.