Gingivitis: Why It Develops and How to Treat It

Gingivitis is a gum disease that can result in many complications. It occurs when the surrounding tissues of the teeth become inflamed because of poor oral practices and dental hygiene. It is characterized by swollen and red gums that tend to bleed easily when brushing the teeth or flossing. The condition must be taken seriously to prevent it from developing into a more serious type of gum disease. Midtown gingivitis treatment must be sought to avoid complications.

Common Causes of Gingivitis

Our mouth has bacteria, most of which are normal, safe, and natural. However, some kinds of bacteria can create plaque. Failing to clean the teeth regularly and thoroughly can result in the development of bacteria and plaque, causing an infection where the teeth and gums meet. This infection is called gingivitis. The following factors might also increase your risk of this gum disease:

• Smoking- Smoking or tobacco use can lower your chances of successful treatment for gum disease. Studies reveal that people who smoke are seven times more likely to sustain gum disease than those who do not smoke.
• Failure to remove plaque fully- Regular brushing may not be enough to remove plaque thoroughly. That is why you also have to floss regularly. Also, you should see your dentist at least twice a year for your routine cleaning to ensure your teeth are free of plaque.
• Hormonal changes- These changes include puberty, monthly menstruation, and menopause. They are believed to increase gum sensitivity and inflammation.
• Age or genetics- As you age, your body naturally becomes more susceptible to disease and infection, which increases your risk of gingivitis. Also, you can be at a greater risk of this infection if you have a family member who has it.
• Medication- A lot of medications prescribed for certain conditions may impact your oral health. Make sure to tell your doctor about any medication you are taking.
• Poor nutrition- This factor can deprive your body of essential nutrients and makes it harder for it to fight infections, including gum disease.
• Teeth grinding and clenching- Chronic teeth grinding and clenching can put you at risk of developing gingivitis. This habit puts a lot of strain on your teeth and causes them to loosen. Also, it can create pockets between the gum tissue and roots.

Treatment for Gingivitis

To effectively treat gingivitis, it is important to determine and eliminate the factors that caused it. Often, this can be done by establishing more consistent oral hygiene habits and getting professional dental cleaning regularly. If risk factors like smoking and uncontrolled diabetes contribute to gum disease, they should be addressed or eliminated to successfully reverse gingivitis. Once a dentist eliminates the tartar and plaque, you can often eliminate the gum disease by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Also, a dentist may recommend using a prescription mouth rinse that targets gum-disease-causing bacteria. This can be an option for people who cannot perform brushing and flossing because of age or special needs. If gingivitis has resulted in periodontal disease, which is a more serious type of gum disease, causing hard-to-clean deep pockets, deep scaling, and root planing might be necessary to clean the teeth, and the deep pockets surrounding them.