Gingivitis: What is It and How Can You Reverse It?

If you notice that you spit blood when you brush or that your gums are inflamed and sensitive, you have likely developed gum disease. Gum disease is a progressive disease that affects many Americans every year. The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you believe you are suffering from gum disease in the Middletown, Indiana, area, visit Dr. Jonathan Titus and the team at Titus Dentistry. Understanding what gingivitis is, what causes it, and how to reverse it will help you fight this widespread oral disease.

Gingivitis: Early Stage Gum Disease

If you were to look at somebody with healthy gums, you’d see gums with a firm texture and coral color. While color may differ slightly from person to person, color uniformity is essential. Healthy gums should form a thin, tight edge at the point where they meet the teeth.

When somebody develops gingivitis, inflammation of the gums is a telltale sign. Somebody with gingivitis will exhibit swollen, bright red gums and may bleed when they brush their teeth or floss. Gums that suffer from gingivitis may also become tender to the touch.

Knowing what gingivitis looks and feels like is essential, but what causes it? When plaque and bacteria are allowed to accumulate at the gum line over some time, it causes inflammation of the gums. Plaque, a thin and sticky film, accumulates on the surface of your teeth constantly. When you brush, you disrupt plaque accumulation, but it always comes back, making a constant oral hygiene regimen important.

How You Fight Gingivitis

So, you’ve got gingivitis. What’s next? It is quite fortunate that reversing gingivitis is simple and does not take much work. Maintaining a vigilant oral hygiene regimen is the best defense against developing gingivitis. Brush twice a day. Floss regularly. Avoid sugary foods. These are all simple things you can do to start the reversal of developing gingivitis. By doing this, you’ll keep any plaque formation under control and minimize bacteria in the mouth.  

You may want to visit your dentist for an examination and cleaning if it has been a while since your last visit. This is especially important if you have a significant build-up of plaque, which can only be removed by a dental cleaning tool. While visiting your dentist, they may prescribe a special mouthwash you can use at home.

To schedule an appointment at Titus Dentistry, please call (765) 358-5868.