If it’s a common sight for you to see bleeding gums while brushing in the morning, then it’s an alarming sign. Dental care experts at Sandalwood smiles, the best dental clinic in Brampton, advice against neglecting gum bleeds during brushing and flossing. Because it’s one of the many signs of Gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the inflammation of gums due to infection that builds up over time. When there is plaque deposition below gum line, bacterial deposition leads to infection in that area. If neglected, over time, gum line recedes and there comes a point when teeth become loose and fall off.

Gingivitis not only affects the oral health, it can also lead to diabetes, lung disease, heart attack and stroke.

Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

  • Bleeding gums while brushing and flossing.
  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing.
  • Teeth sensitivity.
  • Apparent loosening of teeth.
  • Visible redness of gums with plaque deposition.
  • Pain in gums while chewing.
  • Malocclusion.
  • Receded gum line.
  • Presence of pus between teeth.
  • Prevention of Gingivitis

    Gingivitis can be prevented by regular precautionary measures. Scaling is advised once every year to remove plaque to prevent bacteria from cultivating in the debris. Diet plays a major role. High carb diet like chips and bread is bad for teeth. These kinds of food items stick to teeth surface and due to high carb content, invite bacterial invasion.

    People who belong to high risk group like the ones suffering from diabetes, HIV/AIDS, on chemo and radiotherapy should be extra careful. For them, scaling is advised every 6 months, along with other prophylactic measures.

    Treatment protocols

    Surgical treatment includes flap surgery followed by antibiotic administration and prophylaxis to prevent recurrence. Bone and tissue grafts are used in cases where teeth and jaw damaged beyond repair.

    Non-surgical management of gingivitis includes scaling, laser treatment with follow up with antibiotics and healthy oral habits. Medications that are used along with are antibiotic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine to clear the debris and bacteria off teeth surface, chlorhexidine containing time releasing antibiotic chips, minocycline microspheres, and oral antibiotics like doxycycline to prevent the teeth decaying enzymes from acting on teeth surface.

    Apart from that, changes in dietary habits affect in the long run. Brushing twice a day, regular flossing, staying away from candies and sticky foods, and getting scaling once a year, all these measures can prevent gingivitis and maintain your healthy smile for long.

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