Gingivitis, or gum disease, often strikes quietly. At first you may not have any pain or obvious symptoms that cause serious concern, but if you know what to look for, you can identify early gingivitis and have it treated before it can cost you your teeth.

The early symptoms of gingivitis include gums that are swollen, soft, or red. You may notice that when you brush your teeth, they bleed easily. However, they may not feel painful so you may not become very concerned. If you brush your teeth and find blood on your toothbrush, this is an early indicator of gingivitis. Healthy normal gums should appear as a soft pinkish color. Gingivitis causes gums to appear dark red, due to the swelling and inflammation.

It is important to see your dentist regularly and have your teeth cleaned in order to prevent gingivitis. Gingivitis is a direct result from plague buildup. When plaque builds up, it becomes tartar. Tartar is the root cause of gingivitis. Plaque needs to be brushed off of the teeth daily. Within twenty-four hours, new plaque forms. This is why brushing your teeth at least twice a day is vitally important to the health of your teeth and gums.

If you don't remove plaque, within several days it will harden and form tartar. Tartar cannot easily be removed with at home methods, such as brushing or flossing. To remove tartar, a dentist will need to use professional tools and cleaning methods. If you don't have tartar removed, it will lurk underneath the gum line and attract bacteria. This causes the gums to become inflamed and leads to Gingivitis.

There are certain factors and health conditions that may increase your risk of developing gingivitis. These include people who smoke, have poor nutrition, are pregnant, have illnesses, have Diabetes, or a weakened immune system. Any medication that may decrease the amount of saliva you produce can also increase your chances of developing gingivitis. Saliva is necessary for removing plaque from the teeth. When someone suffers from a dry mouth, or doesn't produce much saliva, they are increasing the rate that plaque will form and turn into tartar. It is important to take care of your teeth, see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and treat gingivitis early.