Good oral hygiene not only takes care of your teeth but also protects your gums from a common problem called gingivitis. We tell you all about gingivitis, how it forms and most importantly how to treat it. Suffering from oral health problems can shake your confidence and lead to lower self-esteem. Today, gingivitis is a common cause of bad breath, bleeding gums and swelling. In fact, it's one of the biggest problems facing patients who visit the dentist. We have explored what actually causes this fairly common gum problem. Also find out how to solve and prevent it.
Here is a guide to understanding what gingivitis is and how to stop it.
What is gingivitis ?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and, fortunately, is the easiest to treat at least if caught early. Commonly identified as gum inflammation, gingivitis is the result of sticky bacteria (plaque) forming on the teeth and gums. If this plaque is regularly removed, it can cause very little damage to the mouth, but if left, it will eventually lead to gum irritation. Typical symptoms of this irritation include red, floppy gums, bleeding when you brush your teeth, bad breath, receding gums and sometimes pain when touched. If they develop, these symptoms can progress to the next stage of gum disease, periodontitis, and can eventually lead to loose teeth.
The main causes of gingivitis
Many factors can increase the risk of gingivitis. If you are in this situation, you must pay attention to your teeth and gum margins but also ask your dentist what you can do to keep your mouth healthy and prevent gingivitis.
In the meantime, here are the main causes of gingivitis:
- Tobacco use: this is one of the major risk factors associated with gum disease and can reduce the chances of successful treatment. Research shows that smokers are seven times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.
- Poor dental hygiene: Not brushing or flossing regularly is an easily preventable cause of gingivitis.
- Incomplete plaque removal: You may leave plaque under the gum line, even if you remove all the plaque from your teeth. Floss regularly and look for a toothpaste like Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean, which can reach the plaque below the gum line.
- Stress: This is another of the many causes of gingivitis. Constant stress can weaken your immune system and limit your ability to fight infection, including gum disease.
- Hormonal changes: including puberty, pregnancy, menopause and menstruation, lead to increased sensitivity and inflammation of the gums. Take special care of your teeth and gums during these physiological changes to prevent gum disease, or seek treatment for gum disease.
- Poor nutrition: deprives the body of important nutrients and reduces its ability to fight infection, including gum disease.
- Medications: for many conditions can affect oral health. Tell your dentist or hygienist if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications.
- Chronic diseases: such as diabetes, cancer and HIV, affect the body's ability to fight infection, including gum disease. The important thing is to tell your dentist and hygienist if you have any conditions.
The different home remedies to alleviate gingivitis
The sage remedy
Sage is an antiseptic and antibacterial plant. You can prepare your remedy in two ways. You can make a sage infusion with sage leaves and let it steep for 10 minutes in a liter of boiling water. It can also be used as a mouthwash. There are also gingival gels to soothe sensitive gums.
Antibacterial propolis
Propolis is a natural material from the beehive. It has antibacterial properties. It is recommended to chew propolis gum or spray propolis on the gums to relieve gingivitis. You can repeat the operation several times a day as soon as you feel pain.
Salt water
This old grandmother's trick effectively soothes swollen, sensitive gums that tend to bleed: salt purifies and decongests. Simply dilute 1 tablespoon of coarse salt in 1 glass of warm or hot water, bathe your mouth with this solution for 1 minute, taking care not to swallow. You can then rinse with fresh water to eliminate the salty taste.
How can I prevent gingivitis in general ?
Your oral hygiene routine is key to preventing gingivitis, and proper brushing can help you avoid symptoms by removing dental plaque and debris from around your teeth.
Here are all the factors that can help prevent gingivitis:
Flossing: this is an essential part of your routine. It helps you get rid of plaque bacteria that are in places you can't reach with a brush.
Toothpaste: Your choice of toothpaste plays an important role in preventing gingivitis. If your gums are fragile, you can start by choosing a suitable toothpaste. In pharmacies, drugstores and even supermarkets, you will have no trouble finding a toothpaste specially designed for sensitive gums.
The toothbrush: it must also be adapted to your gums. Nylon bristles are preferable as they provide a deeper cleaning. They should also be particularly soft and not medium or hard.
Dental appointments: Another important factor in preventing gum disease is to make regular appointments with your dentist. Professional cleanings can help remove any bacteria or plaque that has hardened or become tartaric, which is impossible to remove with a normal toothbrush.
You can use Y-Brush dental floss. This floss allows you to clean effectively and gently between each tooth and is very easy to use thanks to its handle. The floss is easily inserted in the interstices and interdental spaces, and does not damage the gums. It allows an effective care as well as a good oral hygiene.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what gingivitis is. Knowing the main causes of gingivitis will help you to know what you have or have not done to get gingivitis. The various home remedies and methods we have outlined are in all cases effective. However, a curettage and an antibiotic will be necessary afterwards.
