Gingivitis is the condition in which you have an abnormal buildup of bacteria on your gums or teeth. The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which results from poor brushing habits after meals, improper flossing, and a buildup of oral plaque. Bacteria, when left unattended, can grow rapidly, thickening on the enamel of teeth.
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque, which develops on the teeth because of improper brushing. Plaque is basically a slippery, translucent, brownish, yellowish color of bacteria that forms naturally on the gums and teeth through the interaction of saliva and leftover food particles. If left unchecked, plaque can spread to the adjacent gums causing them to become inflamed as well. This can result in soreness and swelling, along with bad breath.
You may also experience halitosis, or a foul odor coming from the mouth. When you notice any of these signs, you should see your dentist immediately. The longer you delay treatment, the more severe the problem will become. There are several different types of treatments available for gingivitis. Your dentist can provide you with more information, so that you will know what options are available.
In some cases, the symptoms and causes are quite similar to those of other dental conditions. Most people will seek to avoid this condition by making sure that they brush their teeth after every meal, and flossing at least twice daily. Over-the-counter medications are often prescribed to help decrease inflammation of the gum tissue. Antibiotics can be given to combat the growth of bacteria, while the gums are given regular treatments. While surgery is not usually recommended, it is sometimes done in extreme cases where the condition of the gum tissue is severely damaged.
If you feel that you are suffering from about of bad breath, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible to be able to treat both conditions effectively. Remember, both gum disease and bad breath are caused by bacteria buildup, and you will need to make changes in your lifestyle, to prevent further health problems down the line.
You should always remember to brush your teeth after meals, and floss to keep gum disease at bay because prevention is still the best cure. The best prevention anyone can undertake involves brushing twice daily, flossing at least twice daily, and regularly going to the dentist to have your teeth professionally cleaned. If you do these three things, you can be assured that you will never have to deal with gum disease.