Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that has become all too common these days because of improper oral hygiene. It can lead to a whole host of problems if left untreated. The most common symptom of this disease is the presence of swollen gums. The gums feel tender to the touch and they also bleed, especially at night. They are also bright red or purple in color and are very unattractive to the sight. If your gums have this color and they bleed very easily when you brush them, then you can be sure that you suffer from gingivitis.
What brings gingivitis to people’s attention is that it causes bad breath. This is an unmistakable result of this condition, but its negative effects are not restricted to that. If it is neglected, it can lead to serious problems of the gums, with eventual loss of a tooth.
A City of Leeds dentist cautions people against allowing this to happen and neglecting it once the gums to get inflamed. There are very simple preventive measures that can protect a person from this problem, and they centre on proper oral hygiene in order to remove bacterial plaque. Regular brushing and flossing of teeth, in addition to avoiding sugary foods and drinks in between meals, is usually all that is required to prevent bad breath and inflamed gums. If you are unsure about how to clean your teeth properly, set up an appointment with your dentist who will teach you the correct method.
Gum disease, or gingivitis as it is also known, can be caused when bacteria is allowed to build up in the mouth which causes the gums to become infected. This usually manifests itself in painful, irritating and swollen gums that if left untreated it can become periodontitis and lead to wider infection and tooth loss.
