Signs of Gingivitis and How to Treat Them

What are the signs of gingivitis? Gingivitis is an infection caused by plaque, which can eventually result in tooth loss if left untreated. In fact, 75% of all tooth loss can be attributed to plaque buildup. The most common symptom of gingivitis is bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth, but there are other symptoms as well including red, swollen, and puffy gums that may sometimes be painful or tender to the touch. Inflammation Gingivitis is an inflammation of your gums caused by plaque (sticky bacteria). When plaque builds up on your teeth, it can cause irritation in your gums that can worsen over time if not treated. You may not have any symptoms but signs include: red, puffy or bleeding gums; pain when chewing; bad breath or a feeling like you have something caught between your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease which could affect teeth and bones. To help avoid inflammation, brush twice a day for two minutes with toothpaste containing fluoride; floss daily; see your dentist regularly for routine cleanings. Bleeding gums We don’t always pay attention to our gums—if we see them at all. But if you see signs that they’re bleeding, it might be time for a trip to your dentist. Most people think gum disease only affects seniors, but gingivitis is actually one of most common forms of periodontal disease in adults (the other being periodontitis). With gingivitis, plaque gets between your teeth and gum tissue, which irritates both. This can lead to inflammation as well as pocket formation under your gum line. The earlier you treat it, however, the easier it will be to prevent from becoming more serious. Follow these tips for how to treat signs of gingivitis before it's too late Painful chewing People with gingivitis may complain of painful chewing, or even difficulty eating certain foods. If you experience pain when eating food, especially hard foods such as raw vegetables, it could be a sign that you have gingivitis. In addition to pain in your mouth when eating, you may also notice tenderness in your jaw; these are also signs that you’re developing gum disease. While you don’t necessarily need an appointment with a dentist if you think that your gums are infected, it’s important not to self-diagnose yourself; speak with a dentist if any redness persists or if your symptoms become more severe. Receding gum line Because gingivitis attacks tissues on your teeth, its most visible effect is a receding gum line. If you notice that one or more of your gums has moved away from your teeth, don’t panic. In some cases, it might be nothing serious at all. But if you want to be sure what’s going on (and how bad it is), consult a dentist. Yellow teeth One of the most common signs of gingivitis is yellow teeth. If you're noticing a change in your pearly whites, there's a good chance you have gingivitis. The build-up of plaque bacteria on your teeth causes an inflammation in your gums. This inflammation can make your teeth turn yellow or brown. While it's difficult to reverse these stains without professional treatment, they can be improved with brushing and flossing. It's important to keep an eye on your pearly whites because untreated gingivitis can lead to more serious problems, such as periodontal disease, which will affect not only your oral health but also systemic health like heart attacks or strokes over time. Other warning signs You may notice bleeding gums when you brush your teeth or floss. This is a telltale sign that you have gingivitis, especially if there are dark patches on your gums, which means they’re receding from your teeth. Other warning signs are sensitivity when you eat hot or cold foods, a change in bite, unexplained pain, or swelling in your jaw area. If any of these things happen it could be a sign that you need treatment for gingivitis. At first it might seem like more work than its worth to treat symptoms before they get worse, but if left untreated these problems will cause more serious health issues down the road. Prescription medications Because there is no cure for gingivitis, Gingivitis Treatment will always focus on pain relief and keeping your mouth clean. Medications that relieve pain can be taken at home or prescribed by a dentist. Since certain toothpastes can irritate your mouth if you have gingivitis, it's important to use a non-irritating type with fluoride. You may also need to change toothbrushes regularly; check your brush every few months for signs of wear. When brushing, it's also important not to get any toothpaste in your mouth because that could lead to infection. Using a soft bristle brush helps prevent buildup while gently massaging away plaque deposits. All natural remedies There are a number of all-natural remedies that can help you treat gingivitis. By removing plaque build up, improving your oral hygiene, and preventing inflammation, natural remedies can be a great way to take care of your teeth. Natural treatments also contain fewer chemicals than over-the-counter medications—which can dry out or irritate your mouth. If you’re interested in learning more about what causes gingivitis and how to treat it naturally, you can find out by reading on. We’ll share some all-natural remedies that have been proven effective for helping with bleeding gums.