What you need to know about gingivitis

As many as 70 percent of American adults will develop gum disease over the course of their lifetime. The most common type, however, is gingivitis. Here’s what you should know about it.

Causes
Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums. This sticky film is filled with bacteria that can irritate your gums and make them red, inflamed and susceptible to bleeding.

The most common causes of excess plaque are poor oral hygiene and tobacco use. However, there are other risk factors including stress, hormonal changes and taking certain medications. There’s also a known link between oral health and heart health.

Symptoms
Indicators of gingivitis include the following:

• Tenderness

• Swollen, red or purple gums

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

• Bad breath

• Receding gums

Treatment
When caught early, gingivitis can be reversed with a thorough professional cleaning and proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Sometimes, however, a more aggressive treatment is required to remove all traces of plaque.

If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which can lead to irreversible damage to the gums, teeth and jawbone.

Overall, prevention rather than treatment is the better approach when it comes to gum disease. The best strategy is to brush and floss daily, visit the dentist twice a year and change your toothbrush every three months.