What is Gingivitis?
Gingiva is the term for the area of gum that surrounds the roots of the teeth. Gingivitis is a frequent and mild kind of gum disease that can irritate, redden, and enlarge the gingiva. Gingivitis is a condition where bacteria accumulates around the gum line and transforms into plaque, a soft, sticky, white film that can cause gum irritation, discomfort, and bleeding. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of gingivitis as explained by a Uptown Phoenix dentist.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are one indication that you have gingivitis. If you notice blood when brushing or flossing your teeth, it may be an indication of gum disease because healthy gums don’t bleed. Plaque accumulation at the gum line is the source of bleeding as well as swelling, which indicates insufficient brushing or flossing. Don’t disregard blood, even if it appears seldom, as it may indicate the onset of gum disease. Allowing plaque to accumulate can worsen gum disease and cause tooth decay.
Bad Breath
Halitosis, another name for bad breath, may be an unpleasant ailment, but it can also be an indication that gum disease is growing. There are many different causes of bad breath, but the bacteria that coats your teeth, gums, and tongue releases gasses that cause it. Food fragments can also become lodged in the teeth and begin to decay, which exacerbates foul breath. Using brushing and flossing to get rid of this odor-causing bacteria could help address the issue.
Swollen Gums
Healthy gums should be firm to the touch. If you have puffy or swollen gums it could be a symptom of gingivitis and a sign that you need to take better care of your gums. Inflammation of your gums is the body’s way of alerting you to a problem; in this case, signaling that your gums have become irritated by plaque bacteria.
Change in Color of Gingiva
A more intense or vivid red than usual, especially in the vicinity of the gum line, is a classic indicator of gingivitis.
Gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a far more serious gum disease that can potentially result in tooth loss if ignored and untreated. The most prevalent cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, which may be avoided and even reversed with daily brushing, flossing, and dental examinations. It is important to know all the symptoms of gingivitis if you want to get it treated.
