How To Know If You Have Gingivitis
One of the reasons that many patients ask us about getting a dental implant in Richmond is that they have lost a tooth through gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease which is surprisingly common and yet relatively easy to fix too. Unfortunately many people ignore the warning signs of gingivitis and before they know it, the disease has become more serious and caused further dental problems.
So what exactly is gingivitis?
In its simplest term gingivitis is a condition where the gums are inflamed, and each and every one of us is susceptible to it. It’s a type of periodontal disease caused by the build up of plaque. This is a sticky substance that forms on the outer surface of the teeth and is made up from bacteria, food particles, and mucus. Gingivitis is recognised as being the number one cause of tooth decay. If plaque isn’t removed then it can harden and turn into tartar which sits at the base of the teeth where it irritates and inflames the gums. This process creates bacteria and toxins which in turn result in the gums becoming sore, tender, and swollen.
What’s the cause of gingivitis?
What a lot of people don’t know is that gingivitis isn’t just caused by neglecting to brush your teeth properly, it an also be caused by the way you brush your teeth. Overly vigorous brushing and flossing can cause gum disease as can a general illness. Uncontrolled diabetes, hormonal changes in pregnancy, and poor dental hygiene can also result in gum disease. You’re also more at risk of gingivitis if your teeth are misaligned, you have fillings which are rough on the edges, or you don’t clean your braces properly.
Symptoms of gingivitis
The most common signs that you are suffering with gingivitis is if you spit out blood when brushing your teeth. Other symptoms include:
- Gums darken in colour to an almost purple shade
- They’ll feel tender to the touch
- Your gums look shiny and swollen
- You have sores in your mouth.
What should you do?
Make an appointment with your dentist right away. He or she will carry out an examination to confirm your fears and may even follow up with an X-ray and bone measurement. When discussing treatment, the main priority will be to rid you of the inflammation that is causing you to suffer.
What treatment is available?
Often little more is required than a thorough clean by the hygienist. He or she will use special dental tools that can remove tartar which tooth brushing alone is unable to do. They’ll carry out what is often referred to as a ‘clean and scrape’. In some cases your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to align any problem teeth so as to alleviate the problem. In other cases it may be necessary to replace any orthodontic devices which are contributing to the gingivitis.
If you’ve lost teeth through gum disease and would like to find out more about getting dental implants in Richmond then why not come at speak with Dr. Harmit Kalsi at Sheen Dental. We offer a free implant consultation where you can get your questions answered and take a tour of our facilities. Call today on 020 8876 5277 or book online at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk.