Do you suffer from bleeding and sensitive gums? And do your gums look red and swollen? Then you probably suffer from gum disease. This is called ‘gingivitis’ by the dentist. A bad taste or bad breath can also mean that you have inflamed gums. It is not always clearly visible when it is inflamed. Sometimes it is a bit more sensitive with brushing, but often it doesn’t hurt. Healthy gums are pink, not swollen, tight around the teeth and do not bleed easily.

Cause of inflamed gums

The major cause of the inflammation is dental plaque. This is a white-yellow layer on the teeth that is full of bacteria. Dental plaque is produced throughout the day, even when you don’t eat or drink. Old dental plaque, in particular, is very harmful. The bacteria attack the gums and cause the healthy tissue to break down. Prolonged inflammation of the gums can cause major problems.

Consequences of gingivitis

The inflammation of the gum line can go deeper and deeper toward the jawbone. The gums loosen around the teeth, and the plaque goes deep down the tooth root. There you can no longer clean it yourself so that the breakdown of the tissue can continue undisturbed. Over time the jawbone breaks down over time, and the teeth lose grip. This deepened inflammation is called periodontitis.

Treatment of inflamed gums

You can remove superficial dental plaque yourself. This can be done by brushing properly twice a day. Inflammation often occurs between the teeth, where the toothbrush does not reach. To clean here, it is necessary to use stokers or brushes daily. You can get advice about this from your practitioner.

If the dental plaque is deeper along the tooth root, it must be removed by the dental hygienist. Thorough cleaning with special equipment makes the tooth clean again. Then the gums can reattach to the tooth, and the inflammation can heal.

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You can contact Virginia dental care for all aspects of dental care and general dentistry services. The long-term preservation of your teeth is central to their all treatments.