Gingivitis

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It is a common condition that can have several causes, the main one being poor oral hygiene. Whether it is because you don’t correctly brush your teeth, you don’t brush them frequently enough, or you don’t floss, it is the buildup of plaque that causes gingivitis in the first place. Plaque is a thin, transparent film of food debris and bacteria.

If it is not removed quickly by cleaning the teeth, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with the dentist’s tools. Tartar at the base of your teeth will then cause inflammation of the surrounding gum, leading to gingivitis.

At first, gingivitis can be difficult to notice, but bleeding, a change in colour, swelling, or tenderness of the gums are signs that you should not ignore. Gingivitis is actually not serious at all. However, it can progress and become so, such as when it develops into periodontitis.

Some people are predisposed to gingivitis due to factors beyond their control. Hormonal changes, medication, diabetes, and genetic factors should be considered.

Gingivitis, how to reduce the risk?

However, you can reduce the risk of gingivitis by quitting smoking and limiting your consumption of alcohol and sugary foods. Of course, brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day and don’t neglect flossing! Using an antiseptic mouthwash also helps prevent gingivitis.

During your cleaning appointments, we remove the tartar from your teeth. This is why regular visits to your dentist help prevent gingivitis! In addition, your dentist can examine your teeth and gums to detect any disease in its early stages. At Centre Dentaire Dre Nathalie Kadoch, we take care of your gums. Book a cleaning appointment with us to ward off gingivitis!