Sure you’ve heard many times the word, swollen gums or gingivitis, but really don’t know what it is. Every time you brush your teeth, you get a little blood. Surely you think that it is normal because you could have hurt the gums with brushing pressure and no attention. However, bleeding gums are an indicator that you have gingivitis.
Swollen gums or gingivitis is a starting stage of periodontal disease which causes inflammation of the gums and teeth support. Usually not hurt much, so it can go unnoticed for you. However, if not treated by a dentist then it can become much worse. This is why you must keep watch for signs of gingivitis. Some of the common signs and symptoms are:
- Swollen gums and sensitive
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or using dental floss
- Bad breath
- Color changes in the gums a healthy pink to dark red
Common Cause of Swollen Gums
The most common cause of swollen gums and gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Therefore, it is important that you brush your teeth after every meal, and use dental floss to remove food particles that remain between the teeth and cause plaque.
There are certain factors that increase the risk of gingivitis such as diseases and daily habits. If you will change some of your habits in order to avoid the risk of swollen gums or gingivitis that are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- The cigarette
- Having diabetes
- Being elderly
- Problems with the immune system such as HIV / AIDS or leukemia.
- A dry mouth
- Certain medications that cause less production of saliva
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy related
Anyone can suffer from swollen gums, so visit your dentist regularly for check up and he will indicate you the steps to follow either you already have gingivitis or you are at developing stage of swollen gums. So next time your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or use dental floss, pay attention to it to this symptom. Nothing beats a healthy mouth!