It has happened to many of us. We look in the mirror, noticed that are gums are sore and discolored. Invariably, we stretch our mouths open, peer into the mirror, twist this way and that for a better look. We inevitably ponder, “Why are my gums red and swollen?” We are right to wonder that, because this could point to some serious problems.
Now, there are some easy answers to this question. You might have just brushed your teeth too hard or too long. Your toothpaste might be too abrasive. Your tooth brush itself might have rough, harsh bristles. You might have gone at flossing a little too aggressively. After all, there is such a thing as sensitive gums. The oral irrigator is a tool that can help in this regard.
More often than you might think, however, the answer to this question is a bit more serious. Quite frequently, gingivitis is the reason your gums are red and swollen. Some of us have heard about gingivitis, through our dentists and of course through television. Still, many people do not know what it is. Others feel that adding a simple mouthwash like therabreath is enough to conquer the problem. But, is it really?
Simply put, gingivitis is an inflammation of your gum tissue. It affects the soft gum tissue supporting and surrounding your teeth. If you have plaque buildup, you can get gingivitis. Microbes grow in the plaque. The microbes cause gingivitis, thus making it a bacterial infection. It is incredibly common, since we do have so much bacteria in our mouths.
Another sign of gingivitis is bleeding gums. That is why it is so easy for people to pass it off as a problem caused by brushing too hard. While that can be the case in some situations, you should never take sore, red, and bleeding gums lightly. It is imperative that you see your dentist as soon as possible.
The good news is that you can reverse the effects of this mild type of gum disease. An ozone generator can be used to make an oxygenated mouthwash. Your periodontist will have many treatment options and methods. Brushing and flossing regularly will also help. That can be part of a preventative measure protocol.
Tags: gingivitis