Gingivitis is one of the most common types of gum disease. It's usually easy to treat, but if you don't get regular checkups or start brushing better, you could develop periodontitis in the future. It's important to call your dentist as soon as possible if you start noticing signs of gingivitis.

Here’s what you need to know about gingivitis and how to prevent it.

Some Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that look raw, puffy, and sometimes bleed when you brush your teeth. You might also notice that your gums have pulled away from your teeth. As the disease progresses, your gums become darker and more painful to touch.

Some people believe that their gums bleed because they are brushing too hard. However, bleeding gums are often caused by gingivitis. Normal gums are pink, firm, and healthy-looking, and don't bleed when you brush your teeth. It's important to seek treatment as soon as your gums look sore and reddened to prevent gingivitis from turning into periodontitis.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Poor hygiene is the most common cause of gingivitis. If you don't brush regularly, plaque starts accumulating on your teeth and hardens into tartar that irritates your gums. Over time, your gums become red and inflamed and bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. That is why it's important to brush twice a day and get regular cleanings at the dentist.

Other factors can increase your risk of developing gingivitis, including dry mouth, nicotine use, and a diet with little vitamin C. Some medications and treatments may also increase your risk of developing gingivitis. Even genetics can contribute to the development of gingivitis.

Ultimately, the best way to prevent gum disease is to brush your teeth and visit the dentist regardless of your risk factors.

How Serious Is Gingivitis?

Even though you should take gingivitis seriously, it's not necessarily life-threatening, and you can reverse it by going to the dentist and brushing your teeth regularly. But if you don't take action, gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This disease is much more difficult to treat and can cause your teeth to fall out.

How Can You Prevent Gingivitis?

By practicing good dental hygiene, anyone can prevent gingivitis. Brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and eat a healthy diet. You can't remove tartar buildup by yourself, so it's important to visit your dentist for regular cleanings once or twice a year. You might need cleanings more frequently if you're at risk of developing gum disease.

How Can You Set Up a Dental Appointment?

If you need to see the dentist, call Gateway Family Dentistry to set up an appointment. We serve hundreds of patients throughout the Murfreesboro, TN, area. Our services include routine cleanings as well as crowns, bridges, root canals, and other surgical procedures. We serve children and adults in our office, so you and your whole family can book an appointment.

If you haven't seen a dentist in a while, we can evaluate your teeth and let you know if we recommend any procedures. We can perform sedated and non-sedated procedures right in our clinic. You can also contact us for more information about cosmetic procedures like veneer installation and teeth whitening. Feel great and love your teeth again when you start working with Gateway Family Dentistry.