Brush Away Your Chances of Getting Gingivitis

We all grow up with our parents lecturing us about brushing our teeth. Make sure you brush twice a day! Make sure to brush for at least two minutes! Don’t forget to floss! Eventually, it becomes habit. Unfortunately, for the small number of people who didn’t listen to their parents, the lesson can come in a much less appealing fashion.

What is Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can be caused for a variety of reasons, but a big one is poor oral hygiene. It occurs when your teeth accumulate lots of plaque and bacteria that get trapped in your mouth and inflame your gums. It isn’t as serious as full-blown periodontal disease, but it can lead to the more serious disease and can potentially cause you to lose teeth.

Symptoms

• Bright red gums
• Sensitivity of the mouth
• Gums bleed easily when pressure is applied
• Bad breath
• Inflammation
• Receding gums
• Soft gums

How To Avoid Gingivitis

Brush brush brush! Good oral hygiene is the key deterrent to gingivitis. Brushing twice a day and flossing are important because they remove that extra plaque that lives on your teeth. You can even take it a step further by investing in mouthwash. Ask your dentist to recommend one that would be good for your teeth, or find one with the ADA seal of approval. Gingivitis is avoidable but only with responsible oral hygiene and a dedication to keep your teeth clean.

If you think you might suffer from gingivitis, you’re not alone. Researchers estimate that almost half of all adults in the United States suffer from the disease. Contact Lifetime Smiles Adult and Pediatric Dentistry today to learn more about preventing gingivitis or schedule a periodontal treatment.