Are your gums bleeding? Let's talk about Gingivitis!

Have you ever been scared when you spit into the sink while brushing your teeth and see a little blood? Or do you feel afraid to even talk to someone because of the unpleasant taste and smell in your mouth? These are the first signs of gingivitis, a problem that many people have but don't pay much attention to. This is actually the beginning stage of periodontal disease. But don't worry, if you take proper care of it, it can be completely cured.

Simply put, what is Gingivitis?

Think of it this way: the gums around our teeth are like the soil around a plant. If the soil is not fertile, the plant will not thrive. That's how it is. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. A bacterial film called "plaque" builds up on our teeth. When we don't brush our teeth properly, this plaque hardens into tartar . Some people call it "God's stone."

This plaque and tartar cause an allergic reaction in the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and start to bleed. This condition is called Gingivitis.

What are the symptoms of Gingivitis?

Gingivitis may not cause any major symptoms in the early stages. So you may not even know you have this condition. But over time, these symptoms will start to appear.

What are the risk factors that contribute to this condition?

Plaque and tartar are the main causes, but some people are more likely to develop this condition.

• For smokers: Smoking reduces the body's ability to fight infections, making it more likely to develop gum disease.
• Not brushing your teeth properly: Plaque builds up easily in people who don't brush or floss their teeth properly. Also, people with crooked teeth are at higher risk because it's harder to clean their teeth.
• Hormonal changes: Gums can become more sensitive due to hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy , puberty, and the menstrual cycle.
• For people with diabetes: If diabetes is not controlled, the body's ability to fight infections decreases. This also affects the gums.
• Family history: If your family has had gum disease, you are at slightly higher risk.
• Certain medications: Some medications can reduce saliva production in the mouth, causing a dry mouth (xerostomia) . Saliva is a natural defense mechanism that controls bacteria in the mouth. Gingivitis is more likely to develop when saliva production is reduced. For example, medications for epilepsy, some cancer treatments, medications for high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers) , and birth control pills can cause this.

Is Gingivitis contagious?

This is a question that many people ask. Gingivitis is not a directly contagious disease like the common cold. However, the bacteria that cause it can be passed from person to person through saliva.

Simply put, if you share saliva with someone who has gingivitis (for example, by kissing), you can get those bacteria. But if your oral health is good, you can't say that you will develop gingivitis. But if your immune system is weak (for example, due to conditions like HIV/AIDS), or if you don't brush your teeth properly, those bacteria are more likely to cause problems in your mouth.

How is it treated?

If you have symptoms of gingivitis, the best thing to do is see a dentist. He or she will examine your teeth and gums. If necessary, they will take an X-ray to check for damage to your jawbone.

The main goal of treating gingivitis is to control the infection and restore healthy teeth and gums.

How to prevent gingivitis?

The best thing to do is to prevent gingivitis. There are some simple things you can do to prevent it.

• Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Once in the morning and once before going to bed at night.
• Floss between your teeth every day. This is very important to remove food particles and plaque from areas where your toothbrush can't reach.
• Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
• Limit foods and drinks high in sugar.
• See a dentist at least once a year for a check-up. If you have risk factors, you may need to go earlier.
• If you have diabetes , control it well.