Getting Rid of Gum Disease

You have likely heard of gingivitis. It displays itself as gum inflammation. During the early stages, individuals may notice that their gums bleed when they brush their teeth. Do not make the mistake and assume that you will see a significant amount of bleeding if you have gingivitis. You might only see traces of blood, and they could appear as pinkish stains in your toothpaste when you spit it out. Some individuals may notice bleeding gums when they are not performing their dental care. This might be a sign of gingivitis advancing into gum disease. 

There are a number of things that you can do to lower your risk of having gingivitis. Some things may require you to adjust your lifestyle and habits. However, you can have an excellent defense against gum disease and other oral health complications by ensuring that you get the proper professional dental care. Doing your part between dental visits is also critical. The following points will help you identify some potential causes of gingivitis.

Smoking and Drinking

These are habits that can be difficult for individuals to stop. Thankfully, there are self-help groups and other options for smoking cessation and alcohol abuse. Tobacco and alcohol can stain teeth and affect their appearance. There is also a risk for enamel damage when these substances are regularly used over extended periods of time. The other oral damage can occur to gums and may go undetected or ignored. This is why it is important to include a dentist in your dental care. 

Overall Health

Even if you practice good oral hygiene habits, you may be more prone to gingivitis if you have existing conditions that negatively impact the performance of your immune system. Your immune system is your best defense to ensure optimal health. This includes your gum health, and a weak immune system could mean that you need to take additional steps to protect yourself against gingivitis. Having family members who have or have had gum disease can also mean your oral health could be at risk from potential familial traits. 

Hormone Fluctuations

Hormones can change due to age and other factors. Most people are familiar with hormonal changes during puberty. However, changes can also occur in women as they age and also if they take certain contraceptives. There are medications that males or females may take for other health conditions that can impact hormone production. The hormonal fluctuations can confuse the body resulting in an inflammatory response that could impact gum health. 

A dentist is a good resource to use to discover more contributing factors to gingivitis. They can also explain the reasons why it is imperative to avoid the development of advanced gum disease because of issues such as tooth loss, sepsis, and chronic diseases such as those that affect the cardiovascular system.