Inflamed gums: How to prevent gum disease?

What should you do about inflamed gums? Use the soft rubber 2TH Flexpicks and 2TH Coniflex interdental brushes to help prevent or cure gum disease (gingivitis).

Healthy gums are pink in colour. Inflamed gums are often red, swollen and may have a tendency to bleed when brushing or cleaning between your teeth. In principle, healthy gums never bleed! We refer to the first stage of inflamed gums as gingivitis, a later stage with receding gums is called periodontitis.

What causes gingivitis?

The inflammation at the gumline is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Plaque is a soft, almost invisible film of bacteria and salivary proteins that adhere to your teeth. Plaque can turn into tartar, which is a hard substance that attaches itself firmly to your teeth. A new layer of plaque is then formed on top of that tartar, and so on.

What are the symptoms of gingivitis?

Gingivitis is not always clearly visible. A few characteristics may include: red, puffy and swollen gums and/or bleeding gums when brushing. A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath can point to gingivitis. Inflamed gums are seldom painful, but they are more sensitive.

What are the consequences of gingivitis?

The inflammation at the gumline can extend towards the jawbone. This causes the gums to come loose from your teeth. Plaque is then formed in the space that is created between the gumline and the teeth, this space is called a pocket. This plaque causes the inflammation to go deeper. The tissues are damaged by the inflammation and the jawbone deteriorates. These pockets then become deeper and some of the plaque turns into tartar deep down in these pockets. This continuously expanding inflammation with receding gums and the deterioration of jawbone is called periodontitis. Lost bone in the jaw can never be recovered.

Preventing and curing gingivitis

Gum disease can be prevented and cured. Good dental hygiene is essential. Bleeding gums are an indicator of gingivitis. Don’t ignore this sign. Take action to make your gums healthy again. Gingivitis is caused by dental plaque. Therefore good oral hygiene is important. Tools to help you maintain good oral hygiene are: (electrical) toothbrush, toothpaste, toothpicks, floss and interdental brushes. What should you do if you have gingivitis? Use the soft, rubber 2TH Flexpicks, unbreakable 2TH Picks and/or 2TH Coniflex interdental brushes to prevent or cure gingivitis.