Gingivitis doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It rears its ugly head quite often… more so than you probably realize.
Bacteria in dental plaque is the number one cause of gingivitis, or gum disease. And, if you haven’t been to a dentist in some time, there’s a great chance that you have plaque on your teeth and that gingivitis is forming RIGHT NOW.
But, unfortunately, even if you do have regular dental cleanings, and brush and floss your teeth regularly – you’re at risk too.
Also see: Take the Dental Health Quiz
There are other, more unsuspecting factors that contribute to gingivitis. Here are three that you’re probably not aware of:
Medication: Many prescription and over-the-counter medications come with the side effect of reducing the amount of saliva that naturally occurs in your mouth. Saliva helps keep your teeth clean by controlling the growth of bacteria. That means that the less saliva you have, the greater your risk for gingivitis. Common medications including antidepressants and cold medications can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, so check the list of side effects of your medications, and pay close attention to your gums if dry mouth is listed as a side effect.
Also see: Chronic Dry Mouth
Infection: Certain types of viral infections or fungal infections can cause gum disease. One example is oral thrush, which occurs when a type of fungus that occurs normally in the mouth gets out of control and forms lesions that can infect the tongue and gums. Also, an infection caused by the herpes virus can cause gum disease.
Nutrition: Some diets may be good for your waistline, but if following a diet severely lacking in calcium and vitamins B and C, you may be at increased risk for gum disease. Always consult your doctor (and dentist) before beginning a new diet plan.
Keep in mind that, while serious, gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. If you have it, your gums may be red and slightly swollen and they may bleed easily. Some people, however, experience very little discomfort with it.
Also see: What to Expect at Your Routine Checkup
Even if we see you regularly, schedule an extra appointment as soon as possible if you notice redness, swelling or bleeding in your gums, even if it isn’t painful. Early intervention is the key to combating the infection before it becomes serious.