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Gingivitis
The most common form of periodontal disease which most of us will have at some time or other, gingivitis, is inflammation of the gum which affects the deeper tissues that attach the tooth to the bone. The good news is that gingivitis is totally reversible once the stimulus that has caused it to happen is removed.
What causes gingivitis?
Gingivitis is caused by bacteria in a substance called plaque which adheres to the surface of teeth and causes your body to mount an inflammatory response when toxins are in contact with the gum.
How do I know if I have gingivitis?
Because gingivitis is a form of reversible inflammation the signs of inflammation are present. The most common sign in the mouth is that your gums appear swollen, red and bleed easily. Remember: healthy gums do not bleed.
How is gingivitis treated?
It is vital to have an check-up with your dentist to ensure that you actually have gingivitis and not one of the more serious periodontal diseases. Once a positive diagnosis has been made, treatment is both surgery and home based. You will have your teeth professionally cleaned of plaque and tartar by your hygienist and you will also be instructed in the correct way to use both a toothbrush and dental floss to clean the maximum amount of plaque away every time you clean your teeth. Consistently good oral hygiene will prevent gingivitis returning.
