​5 Reasons to Avoid Gingivitis Like It’s the Plague

Gingivitis is a pretty serious indication that your oral health is going to deteriorate. Just the name of the gum inflammation makes some people uncomfortable, and it should.

When bacteria manages to sneak into the space between gums and teeth, gingivitis is the result. Some people think gingivitis just results in some gum tenderness, but it is so much worse than that. The beginning signs of gingivitis are often seen when we perform dental cleanings, and we have found that many people haven’t been taking the signs seriously.

If the idea of a gum infection isn’t enough to convince you that you should do your best to avoid gingivitis, then here are 5 other reasons why you should take your oral health more seriously.

Gums Damaged By Gingivitis

As your gums are the site of the infection, they are where you will likely first see the damage created by gingivitis. Several symptoms you can look for as warning signs are:

• Tender, red and swollen gums which tend to bleed when you brush and floss.
• Your gums pulling away from your teeth.
• Pus developing between teeth and gums.

Permanent Bad Breath

Gingivitis can cause you to develop terrible-smelling breath that can’t be brushed away with a toothbrush. This one may not seem so bad, since all you could possibly mask it with a breath mint.

But the bad breath is just an indicator of what’s happening under your gums. The unending foul breath is just a symptom of the bacteria eating, growing, reproducing and dying in pockets of your gums.

Greater Oral Pain Experienced

Even when not brushing your teeth, gingivitis can cause you pain. As it has made your gums tender, even chewing can be a chore when every bite causes a burst of pain.

Additionally, gums swollen by gingivitis can be more easily damaged by food as they have become more sensitive. The pain may end up causing you to restrict yourself to a soft foods diet.

Gingivitis Affects Your Teeth’s Alignment

As your gums pull away from your teeth, this will cause your teeth to loosen. Gingivitis makes it more likely that you can lose one of your permanent teeth as the gums loosen around the tooth’s socket.

Another effect of your teeth loosening is that you may bite down and notice your teeth are no longer aligned. As your gums peel away from your teeth, your teeth may shift around in their sockets and change your normal bite.

Infection Can Become Periodontitis

Gingivitis is the first step in gum infection. It can be treated fairly easily and cause a manageable level of damage. But if it goes untreated, it can develop into a more serious gum infection called peritonitis.

Periodontitis attacks the bone in your jaw, the connective tissue holding your teeth in place, and can provoke an inflammatory response throughout your entire body. Total teeth loss is a result of an advanced case of periodontitis.

Riverside Dental Care Fights Gingivitis

You don’t have to let gingivitis take over your mouth. We have monthly specials to help you out with your oral care:

• November – In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, you can receive a FREE oral cancer screening including Panorex imaging.

• December – Protect your gums and teeth with a special deal on a Sonicare toothbrush ($59).

Book an appointment at Riverside Dental Care and let us help you take control of your oral health.