Do You Have Gingivitis? 3 Signs That Help You Know
Gingivitis is a common oral health problem people have, yet it is something that can worsen and cause a lot of oral health issues if left untreated. If you have gingivitis, it means that you have the initial stage of gum disease. Developing gingivitis is something that occurs from leaving plaque on your teeth too long. As it remains on your teeth, it leads to inflammation of your gums, and this can lead to a variety of other problems. Here are three signs to watch for that can indicate you may have gingivitis.
Irritated, Bleeding Gums
One of the first signs you might see in your mouth is irritated and bleeding gums. Do your gums look swollen in certain areas? Do you see blood when you brush or floss your teeth? Do your gums feel sore or look different than they used to look? Taking a close look at your gums can help you determine if you have gingivitis, and you should have them examined if you see any of these types of signs.
Bad Breath
The second sign of gingivitis is bad breath. Do you constantly struggle with bad breath? Do you find that even after your brush your teeth your mouth still feels dirty and your breath still is not fresh? Bad breath develops from gingivitis due to the bacteria it contains. Bacteria is found in plaque, and plaque on your teeth leads to gingivitis. This bacteria gets into your gum lines and is trapped there, and this leads to an infection. The infection in your gums is really the main source of the bad breath that is the result of living with gingivitis.
Sensitivity with Your Teeth
Gingivitis also tends to cause the gums to recede, and one of the effects this has in your mouth is an increased amount of sensitivity to your teeth. When your gums recede, more tooth sticks out. As this occurs, you will feel more sensitivity with your teeth, primarily because the parts of your teeth that are sticking out should be covered and protected with your gums, but they are not due to the recession of your gums.
Some of the main causes of gingivitis include poor oral health habits, smoking, eating the wrong foods, and medications you take. If you suspect that your gums might be affected by this, you should visit a dentist to find out what you can do to treat it and prevent it again in the future.
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