You’re brushing your teeth as part of your regular morning routine and suddenly notice blood in the bathroom sink when you spit! What’s going on? Did you get carried away and brush too vigorously, or is something more sinister? 

Is it Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease (gum disease). According to the Center for Disease Control  (CDC), over 47% of adults over 30 have some periodontal disease. If caught and treated early, your dentist can reverse the effects of gingivitis and prevent it from advancing to periodontal disease.

Unfortunately, symptoms of gingivitis may not appear until it is in its advanced stages. Signs to watch for include:

1. Tender, red, swollen gums or pain in your mouth.
2. Bleeding when flossing or eating hard food.
3. Receding gums (pulling away from the tooth and making teeth appear longer).
4. Loose teeth.
5. Pus between teeth and gums.
6. Chronic bad breath.
7. Mouth sores.
8. A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
9. A change in the way dentures or other appliances fit in your mouth.

Causes 

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that infects the tissue around the tooth and causes inflammation in the tissue. When that bacteria stays too long, it becomes plaque, which hardens to tartar (calculus). Calculus then builds up and spreads below the gum line, making teeth harder to clean. At this point, only a dental professional can remove the tartar and stop the progression of periodontal disease.

An Ounce of Prevention…

According to the American Dental Association, gingivitis can be prevented by good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. 

• You can start by brushing twice a day with an ADA recommended toothpaste. 
• Flossing daily is important for removing plaque between teeth, but it’s a part of good oral hygiene that many people skip. We all have busy lives, but the two or three minutes you spend flossing will be well worth that small time investment. 
• Rinsing with a good mouthwash to remove any remaining bacteria is the final step of your oral hygiene routine.
• Regular dental check ups are crucial in maintaining a healthy mouth.

If you experience symptoms, they won’t go away without treatment. See your dentist at the first sign of gingivitis and follow up with their recommendations for home care. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease and eventually result in tooth and bone loss.

Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning to eliminate the buildup of plaque and calculus that causes periodontal disease. This treatment may require anesthesia, over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and a prescribed antibiotic to help combat infection. You may experience some mild discomfort for the first few days after treatment, but this should go away within a short period. If it doesn’t, or if you develop sores or boils, contact Dental Care Center immediately.