How Gingivitis Affects Overall Health
Poor oral hygiene is a significant factor contributing to the development of periodontal disease, known in the early stages as gingivitis. Severe forms of the disease can lead to general health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or possible stroke. However, gingivitis should not cause alarm, as it doesn’t always automatically equate with periodontal disease. Gingivitis can develop when food particles get stuck on the teeth and lead to plaque build-up, which can then turn into tartar. Your gums can also become inflamed as a result of a mild stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis may also cause bad breath halitosis, which can negatively affect your self-esteem.
As aforementioned, poor oral hygiene can contribute to gingivitis. However, other circumstances can lead to gingivitis, such as:
- Excessive smoking of tobacco
- Conditions that affect your overall body, such as leukemia, HIV/Aids
- Some medications can affect saliva flow, which is prone to developing gingivitis
- Ageing could also play a significant role that affects and contribute to developing gingivitis
- Poor diet and nutrition
What Are The Major Types Of Gingivitis?
Plaque Gingival Disease – This form of gingivitis occurs when food particles are broken down and turn into hardened plaque, which causes bacteria to live longer in the mouth and cause more complicated dental issues. You can easily view plaque gingival disease, as it’s a yellow hardened plaque that sits behind the teeth.
Non-Plaque Gingival Disease – The most common cause for this form of gingivitis is bacteria that comes from foreign bodies entering into the mouth. It can also occur due to an allergic reaction, a reaction to certain medications, or a disease that reduces your immune system, such as leukemia. However, sometimes it does not have any causes at all.
What Are The Symptoms Of Gingivitis?
- Red, puffy gums
- Bleeding gums
- Sore gums
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
Is Gingivitis A Lifelong Disease?
Most gingivitis cases can last anywhere from 10 days to 2 weeks. However, serious or complex issues may take longer to be eliminated from the mouth, as they spread through most parts of your teeth. Brushing twice or thrice a day and flossing are good preventative measures to stopping gingivitis in its earliest stages. However, it does not guarantee that dental plaque won’t develop with an excellent oral hygiene routine. Regularly visiting your Mississauga dental clinic can help eliminate the chances of gingivitis by availing of a dental cleaning.
Periodontal disease can greatly affect not just self-esteem but both oral and overall health. Do not wait for gingivitis to progress into a more complex periodontal disease. Sherwood Forrest Dental, a family dentist in Mississauga, can provide a comprehensive dental exam that prioritizes to give you optimal oral and overall health. Do not hesitate to call us today at 905-855-0076 to book an appointment. We would be happy to accommodate you!