The Links Between Your Oral Health and Gingivitis

If you are suffering from gum disease how would you know? Gum disease is a progressive disease that can take place over a period of several years. One of the earliest stages of gum disease is called gingivitis. When gingivitis is occurring, there are several signs and symptoms that can arise as well. Being aware of these signs and symptoms is essential so that proper care can be given if your gum tissue is indeed infected.

Issues associated with your oral health in regard to gum tissue infections can often first arise as visual clues. If you are suffering from gingivitis, your gums may change in their appearance. If your gums appear extremely swollen, excessively red or are tender to the touch, it may be linked to a gum tissue infection. Furthermore, if you continue to bleed regularly and easily through various activities such as eating or cleaning your mouth, it could be the sign of gingivitis.

Several risk factors exist for the presence of gingivitis. If you have poor oral hygiene and fail to adequately clean your mouth on a daily basis, you are putting your mouth at risk for several oral health ailments, including gingivitis. If you are involved with any unhealthy bad habits including smoking or chewing tobacco, as well as using drugs, you may be at an increased risk for gingivitis. Other common risk factors for gingivitis include the presence of diabetes or pregnancy, as well as genetic predispositions. In fact, genetics can drastically increase your risk for gingivitis and can even make you up to six times more likely to develop the disease. Hormonal changes within your body can also lead to gingivitis.

If you are ready for a gingivitis prevention or treatment plan from Cambridge Family Dentistry at our office in Wichita, Kansas, then you are welcome to call us at 316-687-2110. Our entire team looks forward to improving the health of your gums.