Top 5 Symptoms Of Gingivitis And How to Prevent Them

Gingivitis is a chronic inflammatory illness caused by bacterial growth in the mouth. It is also known as gum inflammation or periodontal disease.

Gum disease, tooth loss, and bone loss may result if untreated. If any of these five symptoms relate to you, you need to pay attention to your gums and get professional care.

5 Symptoms Of Gingivitis

1. Swollen or puffy gums

Gums that are in good health are firm, smooth, and pale pink. When gingivitis develops, the gums become swollen, puffy, and tender.

This inflammation directly results from plaque and bacteria irritating the gum tissue.

You may notice your gums appearing redder than usual or feeling itchy. If these symptoms persist, scheduling an appointment with your dentist is essential.

Addressing gingivitis at this stage can prevent it from escalating into more severe gum disease.

2. Gum bleeding

If you brush or floss too vigorously, you might feel a tiny amount of bleeding from your gums, but it should stop immediately. However, if your gums bleed a lot when you brush and floss normally, it could indicate a more serious issue.

One of the first indications of gum inflammation is bleeding gums. This happens because the bacteria in plaque release toxins that irritate the gums, making them more prone to bleeding.

Ignoring this symptom can cause the condition to worsen, leading to advanced gum disease or periodontal pockets.

3. Bad breath

You may occasionally have bad breath after consuming strong-flavoured meals like garlic or neglecting to wash your teeth. However, persistent bad breath is frequently a symptom of dental problems, such as gingivitis.

Gum infections can make it difficult to maintain fresh breath. A dental professional can address the root cause, restore fresh breath, and improve oral health.

4. Receding gums

Your gums keep your teeth in place and provide a seal around the bottoms of your teeth to prevent bacteria from accessing the roots of your teeth. Receding gums indicate gingivitis, which can further harm your teeth and gums.

Over time, this condition can create pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to further gum damage and tooth loss. Recognising gum recession early and seeking treatment can prevent long-term consequences.

5. Loose teeth

Bone and healthy gums are essential for supporting your teeth. When gingivitis progresses, the inflammation can weaken the attachment between the gums and the teeth, causing them to feel loose or wobbly.

If you notice that one or more of your teeth feel loose, it’s crucial to consult a dentist immediately. Gum infections can silently erode the tissue and bone that anchors your teeth, and the damage can become irreversible without timely intervention.

Why Gingivitis Should Not Be Ignored

Gingivitis is the most easily treated kind of gum disease. However, ignoring the symptoms can allow the condition to progress into periodontitis, a more severe form that can lead to tooth loss and other complications.

Gum disease has also been linked to several systemic ailments, like respiratory infections, diabetes, and heart disease. Taking proactive steps to treat gingivitis improves oral health and supports overall well-being.

Prevention

Preventing gingivitis begins with a consistent oral hygiene routine and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some practical tips to keep your gums healthy:

• Brush your teeth properly twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed.
• If you have diabetes, you need to manage it.
• Don’t use tobacco or smoke.
• Floss at least once a day to eliminate microorganisms between your teeth.
• Limit alcohol and sugary foods and beverages.
• See your dentist for a check-up at least once a year and more frequently if you have any symptoms.

Professional Treatment Options for Gingivitis

If you’ve noticed signs of gingivitis, don’t worry—effective treatments are available to restore your gum health. Dentists in Belmont WA offer a variety of treatment options, including:

• Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling removes plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line, while root planing helps the gums reattach by smoothing the tooth roots. These treatments are often performed under local anesthesia for your comfort.

• Antibiotic Therapy

For deeper gum infections, your dentist may recommend localised antibiotic therapy. This involves placing medicine directly into periodontal pockets to target bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Preventing Gingivitis in Belmont WA

We are here to help if you experience any of these gingivitis symptoms. We will also thoroughly evaluate your treatment options.

Epsom Dental Care provides the best possible dental care for our patient’s financial situation.

We strive to make your visit enjoyable and painless.

Contact us today at (08) 9478 2349 or book your appointment online.

We are located at 5/132 Epsom Ave in Belmont WA.