What Is Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a precursor to periodontal disease. If you struggle to brush, floss or eat healthy, you may be able to see signs of these lifestyle choices in your gums. As food stays on your teeth or goes below the gum line it mixes with bacteria causing plaque. This plaque buildup then leads to Gingivitis when left untreated. If your gums are bleeding or swollen, this may be part of the reason. Here are 4 signs that you may notice if you have Gingivitis,

1.     Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums.  It is the initial stage of gum disease.  The symptoms of gingivitis include:

•      bleeding or swollen gums

•      red, puffy gums

•      gum tenderness

•      mouth sores and bad breath

              Gingivitis is caused by plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, build ups on teeth and gums.    Plaque produces toxins that irritate the gums and lead to bleeding and inflammation.  Gingivitis is the number one among the causes of bleeding gums in adults. Dr. Lee does not recommend cosmetic dentistry for patients who have bleeding gums. Gum tissues have to be healthy prior to any dental treatment. 

For more information on Gingivitis and other gum related problems, contact Dr. Lee and her team today.

What Is The Right Type Of Mouthwash?

There are 2 types of mouth rinses: cosmetic and therapeutic

Cosmetic mouth rinses reduce bad breath, but they do not kill the bacterial that cause bad breath.  Cosmetic mouth rinses do not prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.

Therapeutic mouth rinses can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, tooth decay and bad breath.

Therapeutic mouth rinses contain agents that fight bad breath bacteria and inactivate odor causing compounds. There are some therapeutic mouth rinses that contain fluoride that prevents or reduces tooth decay. 

The ADA recommends mouth rinses that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Patients ask about the difference between “anti-gingivitis” and “anti-plaque” mouth rinses. These mouth rinses basically do the same thing; they reduce bacterial count and inhibit bacterial activity that can cause periodontal problems.

Many patients ask this common question, “What kind of mouth rinse is the best?”

Depending on the oral health needs, the dentist may recommend using a mouth rinse with fluoride for protection against tooth decay.   Anti-microbial mouth rinses may be recommended as part of the daily oral hygiene routine to prevent periodontal disease.

For more information contact Dr. Anna Lee & her team today.