Gingivitis. You’ve heard the word, but what exactly is this dental condition that affects 50% of U.S. adults?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more advanced gum disease … periodontitis.
Periodontitis affects the bone structures that hold the teeth in place, making tooth loss a likely outcome. At this stage of gum disease, there’s no turning back.
What’s the good news? Gingivitis is reversible and easy to treat!
What Causes Gingivitis
Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gingivitis.
It all starts with plaque, that clear, sticky substance that constantly forms on the teeth and gums after you eat.
If plaque doesn’t get removed within 48 hours, it begins to harden into tartar and inflame the gums.
When tartar gets up under the gum line, it causes gum inflammation and irritation, and makes it harder to remove future plaque buildup.
Did you know? Tartar is so rock-hard that it can only be removed through professional dental cleanings.
That’s why time is truly of the essence in removing plaque on a daily basis through good oral care.
Other factors that increase your odds of having gingivitis:
- Advanced Age
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Dry mouth
- Being deficient in Vitamin C, Folic Acid, or Riboflavin
- Having a health condition that affects the immune system (cancer, HIV, viral infections, etc.)
- Hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause
Do You Have Gingivitis? 5 Signs to Watch For …
1. You Have Recurrent Bad Breath
Plaque is packed with bacteria, and bacteria are loaded with Volatile Sulfur Compounds. These are the molecules that give you bad breath. If you’re not taking care of your gums, bad breath is a given.
Oxygene® is a safe, natural ingredient that dissolves Volatile Sulfur Compounds for 6 hours at a time. And it just happens to be the secret ingredient inside Oxyfresh’s alcohol-free mouthwashes and toothpastes.
2. Gums Are Red & Swollen
What should healthy gums look like? Firm, pale pink, and tightly hugging the teeth.
When bacteria in plaque and tartar overtake your mouth, it causes inflammation of the gums, making them look red and swollen.
3. Your Gums Are Receding
Gum recession is the process of the gums pulling away from the teeth. It occurs when gaps form between the teeth and the gum line, making it easy for bacteria to take up camp. The first sign of receding gums is usually tooth sensitivity. You may also notice that your teeth look longer than normal.
4. Bleeding Gums When You Brush or Floss
Did you know that 29% of Americans between the ages of 50-64 think that mild bleeding during brushing and flossing is normal? It’s not! It’s a sign that tartar is overtaking your gums.
5. Your Gums Are Super Tender
As the inflammation from gingivitis continues, your body tries to fight back. This can lead to tenderness of the gums. Tender, sore gums can affect your oral hygiene routine, as well as the foods you eat and beverages you enjoy.
Want quick relief from sore gums? Get Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel. It’s made with healing aloe vera, zinc, folic acid, and Oxygene® to soothe and deodorize sore gums.
How to Prevent Gingivitis
- Brush two times a day. Your timing is important, however. In the morning, don’t brush immediately after having coffee or juice. These drinks are acidic, and brushing right after drinking them can erode your enamel. Instead, swish with water and wait 30 minutes to brush.
- Don’t skip the floss. Brushing only removes 40% of the plaque that forms in your mouth. Floss is a must to get to those hard-to-reach places, including up in the gum line.
- Eat a diet rich in crunchy fruits and veggies. Fibrous fruits and veggies will naturally clean the teeth of food particles and remove plaque. Eating lots of fruits and veggies is also a great defense against vitamin deficiencies. Being vitamin deficient can make your mouth more susceptible to plaque.
- Keep your dental appointments. Even the most diligent tooth brushers and “flossinistas” will inevitably form tartar on their teeth. Remember: tartar can only be removed through professional cleanings.
- Stay hydrated. Water is a great way to swish away leftover food particles, prevent dry mouth, and keep your saliva flowing, which naturally fights and neutralizes bacteria.
Meet “The Friendly Mouthwash” for Gingivitis
If you have gingivitis, mouthwash is a fantastic way to keep plaque and bacteria at bay.
Just steer clear of alcohol-based mouthwashes you’ll find lining store shelves. They can sting and burn your delicate gum tissue, and give you dry mouth. Dry mouth = bad breath.
Swish with the alcohol-free mouthwash dentists love and recommend: Oxyfresh Fresh Breath Lemon Mint Mouthwash. In a 12-month, double-blind clinical study of 50 periodontitis patients, Oxyfresh mouthwash beat a leading store brand in its ability to reduce plaque and improve gum health. View the study here.
Ready to Get Your Gums Healthy Again?
This is reason enough to smile: knowing that gingivitis is easily reversed and easily treated.
Once you get rid of your gingivitis, your mouth won’t just feel better; your breath will be fresher too.
The ball is in your court. Are you going to follow these steps to prevent gingivitis? If you need a partner to help with your home oral hygiene routine, shop Oxyfresh.com now.
