Although gingivitis isn’t technically gum disease, it can lead to full-blown gum disease if left untreated. Here are the top causes of this oral health problem and how you can treat it to prevent gum disease from ruining your smile!

Poor Oral Hygiene

Plaque is the most common cause of gingivitis. Plaque consists of bacteria that coats the teeth—if you haven’t brushed for a few hours or overnight, you can often feel plaque beginning to form on your pearly whites!

Typically, you can keep plaque off the surfaces of your teeth and from accumulating around your gumline by brushing and flossing regularly. However, when you skip brushing or flossing, plaque can build up in the mouth and eventually lead to gingivitis [1].

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes have the ability to affect the oral cavity, particularly when it comes to gum tissue. In pregnant women, these changes can cause an increased flow of blood to the gums, causing them to appear swollen and to mimic the symptoms of gingivitis [2].

However, don’t immediately write off your symptoms as related to pregnancy. Some women may have gingivitis before they become pregnant, and the hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the condition worse.

You should always follow up with your dentist if you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, especially during pregnancy, as women with gum disease are more at risk to give birth to premature babies or babies with low birth weight [3].

Other Causes

There are other factors that can cause gum disease. People whose parents have gingivitis are more likely to develop it, as are people who smoke or use tobacco.

People who have crowded or crooked teeth may have difficulty cleaning all the surfaces of their teeth, leading to more plaque formation and an increased risk of gingivitis. Uncontrolled diabetes can also influence plaque formation in the oral cavity.

Some medications such as anti-seizure medications and even oral contraceptives have also been linked to gingivitis [4].

How Can You Treat Gingivitis?

Your dentist can usually treat gingivitis without special treatment. Typically, patients with gum inflammation need a deep cleaning to remove plaque from around the gumline, and to continue proper oral care habits at home [5].

For patients whose crowded teeth or a medical condition such as diabetes is suspected to be the cause of their gingivitis, correcting these underlying issues can lead to greater chances of success with treating the condition.

Keeping up with your regular dental visits in addition to your oral care at home can help prevent gingivitis! When treating this oral health condition, it’s essential to follow up with your dentist for regular cleanings to ensure that the inflammation doesn’t return and develop into gum disease.

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy/concerns
3. https://www.perio.org/consumer/AAP_EFP_Pregnancy
4. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gingivitis
5. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001056.htm

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What exactly causes gum swelling? The following causes may be responsible for the
inflammation in your gum tissue and should always be followed up with an oral healthcare
professional to protect your smile!

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common causes of gum swelling. When gum disease is present,
bacteria from plaque can get beneath your gumline and begin to irritate the gum tissue. When
this happens, the gum tissue will react and can become inflamed. Without treatment, gum
disease can progress to cause infections underneath the gums, which in turn can cause bad
breath, bleeding gum tissue, and even cause tooth loss.

Certain Medications

Many medications can actually cause the gum tissue to become inflamed. These medications
include some seizure medications, immunosuppressant drugs (such as chemotherapy), and
some blood pressure medications. In some people, these medications can actually cause the
gum tissue to grow over your teeth and create an ideal place for bacteria to form. If you’re
concerned that one of your medications is causing gum swelling, don’t hesitate to schedule an
appointment with your dentist or physician.

Lack of Vitamin C

Although less common in developed countries, a lack of vitamin C in your diet can be damaging
to your gum tissue and can lead to gum disease and gum swelling. Vitamin C is an essential
nutrient for your gums and can help facilitate healthy connective tissue and support a strong
immune system to fight off gum infection.

Changing Your Oral Care Products

If you’ve recently started using a new toothpaste, mouthwash, or floss, your gum tissue may be
reacting to an ingredient in these products that you haven’t used before. If you’re experiencing
gum swelling after using a new product, you may consider discontinuing your use of the
product to see if this alleviates the issue. If it doesn’t, be sure to follow up with your dentist!

Flossing After a Long Time

Flossing is hugely beneficial for your smile and shouldn’t be painful or harmful to your teeth or gums. However, if you haven’t flossed in a long time and have recently started again, your gums might not be used to the movement of the floss and may react by swelling. This swelling should be temporary and shouldn’t last more than a couple of days after you’ve begun flossing again, but if it does, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist to see what the problem could be.

Are you experiencing gum swelling but aren’t sure what the problem is? It’s always best to
follow up with your dentist to see what could be causing your gum inflammation and to
effectively treat the problem. Your gums protect and anchor your teeth, so don’t neglect to
take care of them!

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What else can cause gums to bleed? Here are the top culprits outside of gum disease that may
be causing you to see a little pink in your sink.

Aggressive Brushing

Brushing aggressively is not only damaging to your teeth, it can be damaging to gums too.
When you brush hard, you can irritate gums and cause them to bleed. Aggressive brushing has
also been linked to tooth enamel erosion, therefore leading to cavities. Brush gently for best
results and to encourage healthy gum tissue!

Using the Wrong Toothbrush

Although toothbrush bristles should be sturdy, they should also have some softness to them.
This is why it’s best to choose toothbrushes with soft bristles when picking out a new one at the
store. Using toothbrushes with firm bristles can aggravate gum tissue and cause bleeding,
especially when combined with harsh brushing.

Toothbrushes that need to be replaced can also cause gums to bleed. If your toothbrush
bristles begin to fray or have been fraying for some time, this can cause the brush to poke at
your gums. You should ideally be replacing your toothbrush every three months, but if your
brush frays sooner than this, get a new one to stop damage to gum tissue!

Starting to Floss Again

If you haven’t flossed in quite some time but are starting a routine again, it’s likely you’ll see a
little blood when flossing your teeth. Although bleeding gums can be a sign of forceful flossing,
it’s more likely that you just haven’t flossed in a while and your teeth and gums are getting used
to the routine again. If you continue to see blood even after you’ve established your flossing
routine, consult your dentist!

Smoking

Smoking is not only terrible for your health, but can also irritate gum tissue, causing it to
become more sensitive and bleed. Smoking can also cause dry mouth and increase your risk of
gum disease. In the event that you smoke, bleeding while brushing may be more of a sign of
gum disease than it is not.

Talk to your dentist or doctor about quitting smoking when you go in for your appointment.
There are resources, medications, and support groups that can help!

Medications

It’s true that many medications can cause dry mouth, but it’s also true that some medications
can cause problems with your gum tissue. This includes medications such as anti-seizure
medications, blood pressure medications, or anti-depressants. If you notice any gum
inflammation or bleeding, first consult with your dentist to identify the cause. You may need to
see your doctor to talk about switching medications as well!

Are your gums bleeding during brushing or at other times? It’s time to consult your dentist if
you haven’t already. It could be gum disease, or you may need to adjust your habits to ensure
you have a healthy smile. Bleeding gums is a sign that something needs to be addressed, so
don’t wait to determine the cause!

Free image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net by yodiyim

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Decay or Trauma Can Cause Tooth Abscesses

Tooth abscesses are most often caused by tooth decay. This happens when a cavity forms but is not sealed. The cavity allows bacteria to enter the center of your tooth, where your tooth’s nerves are. This area is often referred to as the tooth’s pulp.

Once decay has progressed to this point, the tooth pulp becomes inflamed and infected. Although the pulp will usually die as a result of this, the infection may continue to spread. This will form a painful swelling around your tooth resulting in a toothache. Teeth that have experienced trauma are also subject to tooth abscesses. This includes teeth that have been broken or chipped—these can also allow bacteria to enter your tooth’s inner pulp and cause an infection.

Root Canal Therapy May Be Necessary

Once the inner pulp of your tooth has died, the tooth is essentially dead but can still remain in your mouth if the infection isn’t too severe. In order to save your tooth, you’ll need root canal therapy. Root canal therapy will clear out the infection from inside and around your tooth. The abscess may need to be drained in order to remove all of the infection. Once this is done, your dentist or endodontist will seal the space to protect it from future problems.

Once the root canal is done, you’ll have a crown on your tooth to fully protect it. This is the best form of treatment for tooth abscesses as it allows you to keep your natural tooth and clear the infection. You’ll begin to feel better once the painful abscess is gone. In extreme cases, the infection and abscess may be so severe that the only option is to remove the tooth. This is why it’s imperative to know the symptoms of a tooth abscess and seek treatment before it’s too late!

Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms of a tooth abscess. Some people may not even feel pain. You may still notice sign or symptoms of an infection, though. These include:

 Red or swollen gums

 Pain when chewing

 A toothache ranging from mild to severe

 Fever

 Strange taste in your mouth

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess. Seeking treatment with your dentist before it’s too late can save your tooth! Tooth abscesses can be extremely painful and also could put you at risk to lose your tooth. If you notice any signs or symptoms of an abscess, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist to ensure you receive effective treatment!

The post What Is an Abscessed Tooth and How Is It Treated? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Signs to Watch Out For

You should be monitoring your child’s brushing habits until they’re old enough to brush and floss on their own. However, it’s still a good idea to check in with your children regularly to see how they’re doing with their oral care. It’s easy for kids to neglect to brush for the two full minutes or to miss spots!

Watch out for bleeding during brushing. You can do this by observing your child rinsing out their mouth after brushing: any pink or red in the sink could be a sign of gum disease! You may also see if your child has red or swollen gums. Gums that look red or puffy could indicate a problem. If your child complains that brushing hurts, their teeth and gums may be sore from gum disease.

Effects of Gum Disease

Children who suffer from gum disease can have both short-term and long-term effects. Your child may experience temporary tooth sensitivity, especially if their gums are beginning to pull back from their teeth to reveal tooth roots. The sensitivity may range from mild to severe depending on how advanced the gum disease has gotten.

Your child may also experience a loss of alveolar bone. This is the bone that helps hold the teeth in place, also known as the tooth’s socket. When alveolar bone is lost, teeth can become loose. This increases the chances that your child may lose their teeth as a result of gum disease. A checkup with your dentist can determine if gum disease is the culprit behind loose or sensitive teeth!

What You Can Do

If your child hasn’t been getting regular dental checkups, now’s the time to start! Your local dentist can examine your child’s teeth and look for signs of gum disease. If gum disease is present, your dentist will likely conduct a deep cleaning to clear away plaque and any infection around the tooth roots to help restore oral health.

However, this is only part of the treatment. Addressing the habits that made gum disease possible will also be part of your visit. Although sometimes a child will be reluctant to take advice from a parent, hearing it from a dentist can make a difference. Your kid-friendly dentist can help motivate your child to take better care of their smile!

Gum disease in children can go unnoticed until signs and symptoms begin to appear. Take your child in for regular dental exams to ensure his or her teeth and gums are healthy. If signs of gum disease are apparent in-between visits, schedule a visit sooner. Encourage your child to brush, floss, and eat healthy. We only get one set of adult teeth!

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Periodontal or gum disease is common, being caused by poor dental hygiene in some people. For other people, even practicing good oral hygiene doesn’t stop them from getting gum disease. It can be genetic, or caused by certain medical conditions or medications. If you have swollen or bleeding gums, don’t feel guilty. Dentists see this all the time and want to help. The sooner you get to the dentist for treatment, the better off your gums and teeth will be.

Gingivitis involves a film of bacteria, called plaque, which can harden if not cleaned away. When it hardens, it’s called tartar. Removal of plaque and tartar can be accomplished rather easily by a dentist when gingivitis is present. If gingivitis isn’t treated, bacteria will begin to appear below the gumline. This is periodontitis. This condition will slowly start to cause the gums to separate from the teeth. Ultimately, the teeth can fall out.

Periodontitis can be reversed with scaling and root planing, a method of deep cleaning the teeth.  The hardened tartar is scraped off (scaling) and the exposed root of the tooth is cleaned and smoothed to prevent more bacterial buildup (root planing.) This is done under local anesthesia to make it a comfortable procedure.

If periodontitis is left untreated and becomes severe, surgery may be required to repair the gums and save the teeth. This situation is completely preventable by having regular dental checkups to keep gingivitis under control, so it won’t advance to periodontitis. At home, always remember to floss after you brush, at least twice a day. Flossing gets rid of food particles between your teeth. Eliminating these food particles by flossing greatly reduces the chance of bacteria forming.

If you experience swollen or bleeding gums, an appointment and evaluation with your dentist would be highly recommended, as we all want (and need) a lifetime of healthy gums.

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