Inflamed And Bleeding Gums Equals Gingivitis

If you discover bleeding gums when brushing, you do have cause for alarm. Bleeding gums are the symptom of gum disease. In fact, for some, the term “bleeding gums” is the same as the disease gingivitis.

What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a condition of the gums. Other names for it include bleeding gums and gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form or early phase of gum disease. It features:

• Gum inflammation
• Redness of the gums
• Gums may be sore or tend when touched
• When brushing, the gums may bleed
• Bad breath or halitosis

What Causes Gingivitis
The actual cause of gingivitis is bad bacteria. The growth of bad bacteria in the mouth left unchecked creates unsanitary and unhealthy oral conditions. The bacteria latch onto any leftover food particles, feed on them and multiply. This results in the formation of plaque. In turn, this means more bacteria and eventually the build-up of tartar.

If you do not treat the early stages of gum disease, the problem will enter phase 2. Gingivitis will progress into the more severe form of gum diseases – periodontitis. Treatment for periodontitis involves dental surgery. You will lose one if not several of your teeth. If you do not seek a remedy for what causes gum disease, you may face the loss of your smile. To restore it could be expensive.

Treatment for Bleeding Gums or Gingivitis
A dentist can help you take care of the early stages of bleeding gums. He or she will tell you the best way to treat and to prevent the problem from occurring or reoccurring is a thorough system of dental care. Oral hygiene ranks among the most important means of keeping your mouth in perfect shape. It is both a remedy for the problem and a preventive treatment.

A good system of proper oral hygiene is easy to implement. You can integrate it easily into any form of lifestyle. It only involves two tools: toothbrush and floss. It also only requires 2 ingredients: toothpaste, mouthwash. The regular use of these makes the overall system work.
To create the perfect system of oral hygiene you must:

• Pick the right toothbrush for your needs. A current favorite is a soft bristle brush
• Look for the right toothpaste. OraMD is an example of a natural product that works as both a toothpaste and mouthwash. There are also dozens of name brand commercial products from which to choose as well as home alternatives such as baking soda
• Don’t just have the right products, use them. Brush 3 times daily after meals and even before bed
• Floss between meals, after snacks and before bed
• Rinse your mouth or gargle. Avoid alcoholic mouthwash. It will only create dry mouth. This is a great environment for bacterial growth
• Visit your dentist or oral hygienist for a cleaning at least once a year – preferably twice
• Make an annual appointment with your dentist for a check-up. He or she will make sure you are doing the best possible oral hygiene routine

Conclusion
Bleeding gums is the sign you are not taking proper care of your teeth and gums. It may indicate the early phase of gum disease – gingivitis. The best way to avoid the problem is to adopt a proper oral hygiene regime. This should not only remedy the current problem but also act as a preventive treatment.