Gingivitis is one of the most dreaded oral diseases because it can lead to more severe oral complications like tooth loss. It is also one of the easiest oral conditions to acquire. Meaning it is vital to be informed about gingivitis, and to understand how it happens. Armed with this knowledge, you will know what to do to prevent it.
Here are 5 important facts you should know about gingivitis:
Gingivitis is usually caused by many factors, mainly; poor oral hygiene, smoking, poor nutrition, certain diseases, certain medications, diabetes, aging, genetics and even hormonal changes like those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. This makes it very easy to acquire.
The good news is that this condition is an early sign of gum disease, which means that the bones and tissues connected to the gums and teeth have not yet been affected. With proper treatment, the condition can be fully treated and reversed.
Gingivitis starts when bacteria build up on a person's teeth. This build-up leads to plaque formation, which is a sticky film that forms in the mouth and on teeth surfaces. If left untreated, the accumulated bacteria can spread to the gums and lead to a serious infection. In order to prevent this, one should always practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day, flossing every day, and visiting a dentist for a dental check-up every six months. Regular dental checkups are particularly important because a dentist can detect gingivitis in its early stages and help prevent it before it develops.
For an extra boost in oral health, patients should take vitamins. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who have high levels of vitamin D and C are usually 20 percent less likely to suffer from gingivitis.
Gingivitis can be transmitted by sharing a drink or even through a kiss. A kiss normally transmits more than 60 million bacteria. Though not all of the transmitted bacteria are bad, some can cause gum disease and even cavities.
Gingivitis is a gateway condition that can lead to more serious conditions. If left untreated, gingivitis will eventually develop into periodontal disease, which is a more advanced form of gum disease. When gums get infected or inflamed, a person can develop other serious health conditions which can affect the whole body. Research shows that there are links between periodontal disease and an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and osteoporosis.
If gingivitis is left untreated, more serious gum diseases will develop, requiring even more advanced treatments. Without immediate intervention, you could end up losing some or even all of your natural teeth. The best course of action is to make an appointment with one of our dentists today so that your oral condition can be properly diagnosed and treated.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Titan Dental Care, request an appointment in our Sterling dental office here: https://www.titandentalcare.com. Or call us at (703) 745-3227.
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