Every dentist and hygienist will have been asked certain questions by patients countless times. Which brushing technique is best? What is the value of using floss? Can I have a sticker (usually young patients)? That sort of thing.
How common gingivitis is comes up often too
In this article we will not only address that question but go a little further. We will discuss why the prevalence of gingivitis is basically irrelevant, where it sits in the spectrum of oral health, and what can be done to treat it and prevent it recurring. There is a lot to cover, so let us get to work.
The answer to the first and most basic question — how common is gingivitis? — is that it is quite common. According to the British Society of Periodontology, 55 per cent of people have bleeding gums, which makes gingivitis a widespread condition.
Is my gingivitis common?
As demographics change and the population ages, we will find that the figure does not really matter much and that it is quite likely to move closer to 60 per cent. But that is not really significant for you, who may not know whether you have gingivitis or not. If your gums are swollen and bleed when brushing or flossing, there is a good chance you have gingivitis or another periodontal condition. That is nothing to be ashamed of and does not necessarily mean you have deliberately neglected your hygiene. Rather, it is a condition that is hard to avoid over a lifetime. Every hygienist has treated inflamed gums and related conditions hundreds or thousands of times; it is routine therapy for them.
How common gingivitis is could, however, give a false sense of security. It cannot be that bad if it is so widespread, can it? Wrong. Although bleeding gums, sore gums and the inevitable bad breath are not exactly things to live with, gingivitis alone need not cause long-term damage.
Periodontitis and gingivitis
If gingivitis is neglected, it can develop into periodontitis, advanced periodontitis and other more serious conditions in the family of periodontal disease. With periodontitis, the bone and the tissue behind the gum are broken down by the disease. While gingivitis is often benign, periodontitis can loosen the teeth or even cause them to fall out. It is also associated with a range of other health problems, among them a raised risk of heart disease, stroke and lung disease.
If you think you have gingivitis, you should arrange an appointment with us as soon as possible for an examination. Gingivitis is easy to treat; with advanced periodontitis, on the other hand, you should be treated at our practice at Friesenplatz as soon as possible. To treat the condition, all plaque and calculus must be removed, including deposits that in periodontitis lie far below the gum line. Periodontitis is usually treated over several sessions, with the effect of each one carefully monitored.
After treatment for gingivitis or periodontitis, the saying «prevention is better than cure» applies. You will receive guidance on maintaining good hygiene and on the best way to clean your teeth. You should also think about what to avoid or consume in moderation, and about other lifestyle changes that could improve oral hygiene.
How to maintain dental health
It is to be hoped that these small adjustments, together with frequent visits to your hygienist, will keep you free of gingivitis. It should be said here that gingivitis cannot be treated adequately at home. Using the right mouthwash and brushing effectively do contribute to better oral health, but they cannot fully remove all hardened plaque, or tartar. That periodontitis cannot be treated at home goes without saying. It also cannot be self-diagnosed, which is an important reason why bleeding gums should always be examined. Establishing whether it is ordinary gingivitis or the more serious periodontitis is decisive for your health.
