Potentially anyone can get gingivitis at any age, and it is thought that most people will suffer an attack of at some stage in their lives. As with all dental disease, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
So how do you know if you have gingivitis and what can you do to remedy it?
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural defence mechanism and in your gums, it occurs in response to a build-up of plaque biofilm. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria which especially likes to grow in the dark areas between the teeth and along the margin where the teeth and gums meet. If not effectively disrupted every day, the body’s immune system reacts by creating an inflammatory response (swelling) to protect the gums from further attack.
Like inflammation that is present elsewhere in the human body, the symptoms are consistent with the increased blood flow to an area as the body tries to overcome the presence of bacteria. You may have some or all the symptoms which include gums that are swollen, red or shiny and bleed easily. This happens most commonly when you brush/floss but in severe cases it can happen spontaneously, and you may see blood on your pillow when you wake in the morning. The gums may also feel tender to touch and you may notice a bad taste from time to time.
The single biggest cause of gum inflammation is poor oral hygiene. Allowing plaque to sit around your teeth and gums (particularly in between your teeth) for prolonged periods of time is what provokes the swelling.
The next biggest risk factor is smoking. Smokers are four times more likely to develop gum disease and lose three times more teeth than non-smokers. If you are a smoker, then stopping or reducing will help.
There are other conditions such as undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes, poor diet, obesity, dry mouth, teeth restorations that don't fit properly or are in poor condition, crooked teeth that are hard to clean, conditions that lower immunity, certain drugs, hormonal changes and stress which can also play their part.
Improving your oral hygiene efforts by brushing more effectively along the gum line and cleaning between your teeth is the quickest way to reduce gum inflammation. Brush your teeth twice daily, ideally with an electric toothbrush with medium textured bristles. This will ensure the bristles are firm enough to remove plaque but soft enough not to scratch the gums. Brush for at least 2 to 3 minutes ensuring you reach the gum as well as the tooth. Flossing or using interdental aids is an essential part of cleaning our teeth properly. This should be done every time you brush to remove food particles and ensure no plaque is left behind.
Initially this may cause your gums to bleed and feel more tender, but the effects will be short lived and usually symptoms will improve within 2 to 10 days of adequate cleaning.
Some mouthwashes, particularly those containing chlorhexidine can help reduce gum inflammation, but they should be used sparingly as the ingredients can stain teeth if used for too long. Follow the instructions on the side of the bottle to prevent overuse. Warm saltwater mouthwash may also help to alleviate some of the symptoms.
A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help with long term prevention but only when eaten in conjunction with good daily oral hygiene.
Ultimately, without consistently good daily oral hygiene, elimination of gingivitis cannot and will not occur. Once the gingivitis is eliminated, it is important that you continue excellent daily plaque control to prevent future attacks.
Gum Disease treatment involves first and foremost being shown techniques aimed at cleaning your teeth to a very high standard and these techniques need to be applied twice a day, every day.
Even with the healthiest of diets, plaque naturally builds up on your teeth. If left undisturbed it hardens and forms calculus deposits on the teeth often referred to as tartar. Tartar can’t be removed with regular oral hygiene and needs to be removed with professional dental cleaning. Leaving it in place can help more bacteria to grow by increasing the areas where plaque can stagnate. The more plaque there is, the more gum inflammation you will have and the higher the risk of disease.
Depending on what stage you’re at, treatment for gum disease can vary from a simple single visit treatment to more advanced deep cleaning which usually takes place over several visits.
Prevention is key. By scheduling regular dental cleanings, your dental hygienist or dental professional can manage your plaque build-up, remove any tartar that has formed, give you tips on how to improve your daily cleaning regime and screen you for any early signs of gum disease, before it’s too late.
Guided Biofilm Therapy is an effective treatment for inflamed gums and can achieve dental cleaning without the associated discomfort. It focuses on addressing the root cause of gum disease: plaque biofilm. It uses a coloured dye to make plaque biofilm more visible. This helps to identify areas where the patient needs to clean more thoroughly. It also helps the dental professional to see which areas to target to ensure all deposits are removed thoroughly during the cleaning process. Diet analysis is carried out followed by bespoke oral hygiene instruction where patients are taught which cleaning techniques to use and what lifestyle changes could be made to reduce the risk of dental disease. This is followed by though dental cleaning using gentle airflow technology and soft Erythritol powder which works against the dental plaque biofilm helping to break it down, while the warm water flushes away the debris to effectively decontaminate the area above and below the gum.
GBT effectively removes all detectable plaque, tartar and staining from the tooth surface even in difficult to reach areas. After the cleaning is complete, a fluoride foam is applied to the teeth to help strengthen the enamel and prevent decay.
To learn more about GBT and to find a GBT-trained professional visit SwitchtoGBT.
If you notice any symptoms of gingivitis, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances of reversing gingivitis. Establishing a good dental care integrated with a regular dental plan will help to support the health of your mouth long term.
