Gingivitis is more than just bad breath. It is an inflammation of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque which can lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a serious and chronic bacterial infection that affects gums and the bones that support the teeth. If left unchecked periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.
The good news though is that gingivitis is completely curable. The bad news is that the damage caused by periodontal disease is not.
What you need to know:
Anyone can get gingivitis. In fact research indicates that as many as 16 million Canadians both young and old alike have gingivitis. Unfortunately many do not even know it.
The symptoms can be found both in your mouth and in your sink. Signs of gingivitis include red, swollen or tender gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. If you see blood in your sink after brushing or flossing, consider that you may have gingivitis.
There is an established, scientific link between your oral health and your overall health. Specific associations have been made between the two that includes:
- Heart disease - If you have periodontal disease, your chance of developing heart disease may jump as much as 19 percent!
- Diabetes - If you have diabetes, you may be at greater risk of developing periodontal disease. Dental hygiene and mouth-rinse/antibiotic treatment for periodontal disease may help reduce blood sugar levels n people with diabetes by as much as 11 percent.
- Lung disease - Patients in long term care facilities or hospital intensive care units who are able to practice good oral hygiene care may reduce their risk of developing pneumonia by 58 percent.
- Preterm low birth weight (PLBW) - This accounts for about 80 percent of all infant deaths that occur around the time of birth and may cause long term disabilities for survivors. Dental hygiene services for pregnant women with periodontal disease (including gingivitis) may reduce the risk of PLBW by 50 percent.
These percentages are significant and hopefully convincing in terms of the importance of dealing with gingivitis and periodontal disease.
You can fight back!
Good oral hygiene can keep gingivitis in check. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association recommends a simple, four-step program:
- Brush your teeth with a power toothbrush that offers rotation/oscillation.
- Floss between your teeth to remove plaque. You can use floss on its own or in a holder or a flosser, interdental brushes (for bridges and braces), picks or irrigators.
- Rinse using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the accumulation of plaque and to prevent gingivitis.
- Get regular check-ups. Your biggest weapon of defense in the battle with gingivitis is a regular visit with your dental hygienist. Book an appointment while you have a fighting chance!
Remember: Brush, floss, rinse and regular check-ups!