Question 1

Why is it important to treat gingivitis early?

Accepted Answer

Early signs of gingivitis are reversible and easy to treat. Still, if left untreated, it can progress to a more severe form of gum disease that takes longer to treat and, if neglected for too long, can be irreversible.

Question 2

Why do I have gingivitis?

Accepted Answer

Gingivitis is very common because everyone develops plaque. Many people need to be made aware of the importance of routine professional dental cleaning to prevent gingivitis. Even if we brush our teeth twice daily, plaque and tartar can still build up below the gumline. Tartar is a hardened plaque that is more difficult to remove, and it provides a larger and stickier surface for more soft plaque to grow on. If we don’t have this plaque and tartar removed every six months, it can lead to gingivitis and irritate our gums.  Unmanaged plaque is the most common cause of inflamed gums, tooth decay, and tooth loss. That’s why it’s beneficial to know how to spot gingivitis to treat it early.

Question 3

How to spot gingivitis

Accepted Answer

The following are some signs and symptoms of gingivitis:     Red, swollen, or puffy gums     Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing     Bad breath     Receding gums     Sensitive teeth  If you have any of these signs or symptoms, we highly recommend that you act now to save your smile.

Question 4

How to treat gingivitis

Accepted Answer

Dental Checkup  If you suspect you have gingivitis, book an appointment with our friendly dentists, Micheal or Amanda, to examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone health. We will check for infections and restore any damage caused by an overgrowth of plaque.  Dental Hygienist The best way to control gingivitis is to have a professional deep clean with Karen, an expert dental hygienist. This scaling and root planing procedure reaches deeper beneath your gums than brushing. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria while planing smooths the surfaces of your teeth roots, making it more difficult for bacteria to stick to them. Book an appointment with Karen and she will clean your teeth and show you how to take extra care with your daily brushing and flossing routine to restore the problematic areas.

Question 5

How to prevent gingivitis

Accepted Answer

The best way to prevent gingivitis is to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings and exercise thorough home care. Optimal dental home care includes brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes and flossing your teeth once daily. How to prevent gingivitis swollen gums  Here are some additional tips for preventing gingivitis:      Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.     Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.     Avoid excessive consumption of sugar.     Manage any chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, that can put you at risk for gingivitis.

Question 6

Does sugar cause gingivitis?

Accepted Answer

Sugar does not directly cause gingivitis, but it can contribute to it. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When you eat sugar, the bacteria in your mouth break it down into acids. These acids can irritate your gums and cause gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.

Question 7

Does eating sugar produce more plaque?

Accepted Answer

Yes, eating refined sugar can produce more plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When you eat sugar, the bacteria in your mouth break it down into acids. These acids can irritate your gums and cause gingivitis.  Plaque also contains a type of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria feeds on sugar and produces a sticky substance called glucan. Glucan helps plaque to stick to your teeth and form new plaque.

Question 8

Why does smoking increase the risk of gingivitis?

Accepted Answer

Smokers are at a much higher risk of developing gingivitis than non-smokers for a number of reasons.  Smoking weakens your immune system. A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to fight off the bacteria that cause gingivitis.  Smoking reduces blood flow to your gums. Poor circulation makes it more difficult for your gums to heal from infection.  Smoking irritates your gums. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can irritate your gums and make them more likely to become inflamed.  Smoking makes plaque more sticky. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can make plaque stickier, which makes it harder to remove and more likely to build up on your teeth.

Question 9

Why does alcohol increase the risk of gingivitis?

Accepted Answer

People who regularly drink alcohol are at a higher risk of developing gingivitis than those who do not drink alcohol for several reasons.   Alcohol dries out your mouth. A dry mouth makes it more difficult for saliva to wash away plaque and bacteria.  Alcohol irritates your gums. The chemicals in alcohol can irritate your gums and make them more likely to become inflamed.  Alcohol weakens your immune system. A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to fight off the bacteria that cause gingivitis.  Alcohol may make plaque more sticky. The chemicals in alcohol may make plaque stickier, which makes it harder to remove and more likely to build up on your teeth. Alcohol can also impair our judgment and make it difficult to brush and floss our teeth effectively.

Question 10

Why does diabetes put you at a higher risk for gingivitis?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes is a long-term disease that causes inflammation and high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can make it harder for the body to fight off infections in the gums, which can lead to more severe gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis and periodontitis can also make diabetes worse. Many risk factors for diabetes and gum disease are the same, so improving your risk factors for one condition can also help the other. Some ways to improve your risk factors for people with diabetes include quitting smoking, eating less sugar, reducing inflammation, and getting enough sleep.

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