When going to the dentist, you may hear the words sensitive gums, bleeding gums, or gingivitis. Unfortunately, gingivitis, or gum disease is extremely common for many people. Gum sensitivity and susceptibility to disease and infection can also be hereditary. Gum disease is extremely important to have treated. When it remains untreated, it can worsen, turning into periodontitis.
Beyond being a disease, the seriousness of gingivitis is that it affects the soft tissues of the mouth. The gums lead into the blood stream, which can spread the infection further into the body and they are the structure for holding teeth in place. When soft tissue gets infected, it can cause your teeth to loosen, because of the lack of support. At this stage of gum disease, it is possible to lose your teeth, as well as have your jaw bones become weak.
At the first sign of hearing your soft tissue is sensitive or you may have the beginning stages of gingivitis, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations of clearing it up. While it may seem minor to you, it is truly imperative that the disease does not worsen and spread through the body. The oral cavity is a major connector to the rest of the body and can easily transmit infection to major organs, through the blood stream.
To ensure you maintain optimal oral health and prevent gum disease, it is important to:
- Brush your teeth daily, the recommended amount
is two times – day and night
- You may even consider lightly brushing after every meal to remove unwanted debris and food particles
- Floss regularly
- Flossing may seem tedious, but it removes excess plaque and food that your toothbrush bristles cannot reach.
- Use fluoride
- Whether you choose a mouth rinse with fluoride or a toothpaste, fluoride prevents cavities and helps keep the soft tissue clean
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush
- Soft bristles on a toothbrush are important, so that you are not causing abrasions to the gums. When minor cuts begin to form on the soft tissue, unwanted bacteria can get into the cuts and cause infection
If you are suffering from gum disease or have the beginning signs and symptoms of gingivitis, contact your dentist. Your dentist will be able to get you on the right treatment plan for saving your gum health.
