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Home > Dental Encyclopedia > Dental Problems > Gum Problems > Gingivitis

Gingivitis

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There are 36 million people living with periodontitis gum disease in the United States. Gingivitis is the mildest form of this condition, but left untreated, it can lead to conditions that can wreak havoc on your body. Your mouth and body are intrinsically connected -- one affects the other and vice versa.

What Is Gingivitis, Anyway?

Although you may not feel any pain, bleeding, swollen or red gums are all signs of gingivitis.

This form of gum disease is generally caused by lack of proper oral hygiene, which creates dental plaque buildup. Dental plaque is that sticky, invisible film found on your teeth. This is a bacteria that if allowed to stay on your teeth will harden into dental tartar. This is nearly impossible to remove with just your toothbrush. This is a hotbed of bacteria.

Dental plaque irritates your gums and will cause infection. Your body then catapults into an immune response to attack these aggressive invaders. Your gums get caught in the middle and become inflamed.

What's worse is periodontal bacteria can enter your blood stream and make its way to all of your major organs to cause even more trouble. Research indicates this can possibly:

  • Lead to heart disease
  • Up your chances for a stroke
  • Increase the odds that a woman will have a preterm, low birth weight baby
  • Aggravate those with already compromised health
  • Contribute to medical conditions, including diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis

Warning Signs

Keep a Watchful Eye
  • Gingivitis is first stage of gum disease
  • Rarely causes pain or discomfort
  • It's reversible if detected early
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If it wasn't already taken, gingivitis would be called the silent killer. At this stage in the progression of periodontal disease, there is very rarely any pain. You are more likely to experience:

  • Soft, swollen, red gums
  • Gums that bleed at the slightest bit of pressure
  • Color change of the gums from pink to dark red
  • Pink toothbrush (and not from the toothpaste)

Inadequate oral hygiene is the number one cause of gingivitis. Here are some other conditions that may cause, or worsen, gingivitis:

  • Medication -- can inhibit body's production of saliva, which has a cleansing effect on your teeth
  • Viral and fungal infections
  • Disease
  • Hormonal changes -- pregnancy
  • Poor nutrition
  • Weakened immune system

How Do I Get Rid of Gingivitis?

Your dentist can extinguish this ugly disease. A dental cleaning will remove all that dental tartar and dental plaque. A deep cleaning can generally fix the problem for good if you continue to practice good oral hygiene, brush twice a day, floss daily and use anti-bacterial mouthwash.

Gingivitis, in this moderate form, is completely reversible! Take care of your teeth, and they'll take care of you. If you need a dentist, we can help you find one. Call an operator anytime at 1-866-970-9853.

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