What is gum disease?
Gum disease (gingivitis) is a frequent disorder in which the gums swell, become irritated, or get infected.
Gingivitis affects the majority of adults in the United Kingdom, and almost everyone has had it at least once. In children, it’s far less common.
Periodontitis is a disorder that can occur if gingivitis is not treated. This has an impact on the tissues that support and retain teeth in place.
Experiencing gingivitis is not uncommon for those with dental implants, as those who have had implants can still develop gingivitis.
Gingivitis symptoms
Many people who have gingivitis may ignore the signs that they currently have.
The main symptoms of gingivitis that everyone should keep an eye out for includes:
- Bleeding when they floss or brush their teeth
- Having tender, sore or swollen gums that do not get better
- Constant bad breath and/or metallic taste in their mouth
- Experiencing receding or painful gums
- Sensitive or painful teeth
If you are noticing these symptoms after a dental implant procedure, it is important you do not ignore them.
Instead of living with gingivitis and noticing poor dental hygiene, talk to the professionals who know what to do.
Causes of gingivitis
Gingivitis happens when bacteria or plaque builds upon a patient’s teeth.
When untreated and unnoticed, it causes the plaque to turn in tartar – this would require a professional tooth cleaning service by a dentist for it to be removed.
There are common causes related to getting gingivitis:
- Heavy smoking
- Bad oral hygiene
- Not cleaning plaque
- Lack of nutrition
- Any hormonal changes
Can gum disease be cured?
As long as gingivitis has not progressed to periodontitis, then it will be easy for you to treat it at home yourself.
You can treat gingivitis at home by doing five simple things.
- Floss every single day
- Get the right toothbrush
- Brush two times a day
- Change your brushing technique
- Take your oral health seriously
If you have tried to treat gingivitis at home and have not noticed any results, then you should visit your dentist to get a formal treatment method.
Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us about any enquiries you have regarding dental implants and gum disease.
