There's a lot of gingivitis going around. Some estimates show that almost all adults will at one time or another suffer from this gum condition. Other suggest that as many as 80% of the population have at this very minute at least some symptoms of gingivitis. Whatever the true number, it's clear that the problem of gum disease is a chronic problem for many people.



To understand the problem we need to find the cause of the problem. With gingivitis, it's caused by bacteria in your mouth that feeds on plaque. Now a build up of plaque starts out soft and then hardens or calcifies on your teeth. It's that plaque material, along with microscopic food particles and bacteria that accumulate around the gum line causing irritation and gingivitis.

Gingivitis, although considered inflammation of the gum tissue, like many conditions has different levels of severity.

The first stages:

Gum Sensitivity. You may notice your gums may hurt a little when eating certain foods or when brushing.

Later Stages Common symptoms along with the first stage symptoms:

Bleeding gums. This can be a lot or a little but it almost always will include pain when brushing.

Substantial Pain: Your gums will hurt even when you're not eating.

How they look: Your gums will look inflamed and swollen in the areas where gingivitis has taken hold. It may even seem as if tissue torn and may look like an surface wound.

How they feel: Your gums will feel soft to the touch. They will feel mushy like instead of firm.

Receding gums: This last symptom is very serious. If gingivitis is allowed to continue, your gums will start receding away from your teeth. Gums that recede cause tooth loosening and loss.

The good news is that gingivitis is treatable and can be prevented to a large degree. Inflammation of the gums is then caused by plaque that builds up on your teeth. The answer is to remove the cause of the gum disorder and your gums will heal. The best way to eliminate this disease is through good dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth regularly and flossing between each tooth structure can keep the plaque buildup under control.

In the earlier stages of gingivitis, it's possible to reverse the condition with good dental care and mouthwash. The goal is to keep your mouth clean so the gums can heal. Brush your teeth, floss daily, use a mouthwash and if your gums aren't to swollen and sore, carefully brush the gums as well. This massaging stimulates the gum tissue and removes bacteria and any loose skin layers.