Gingivitis: what it is, causes and treatment

Gingivitis is one of the most common oral conditions affecting the gums. Although it is reversible, it marks the beginning of periodontal disease, so if left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions. By following the recommended advice and using the right products, you can improve your gum health.

Gingivitis: what is it?

Gingivitis is an oral condition that causes gum inflammation. The main issue is that, if it is not treated properly, it can lead to more serious conditions such as periodontitis or tooth loss, so treatment and care are crucial.

Causes of gingivitis

There are multiple factors that can cause gingivitis:

• Poor oral hygiene and plaque build-up: Poor oral hygiene habits can result in inadequate cleaning. As a result, plaque can build up on the teeth. This build-up leads to tartar formation, irritation and gum inflammation.
• Smoking: It can encourage plaque build-up.
• Medicines: Antihypertensives, or those that affect saliva, may contribute to the development of gingivitis.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstruation or menopause, among others, cause a series of hormonal changes that can increase gum sensitivity.
• Diseases or systemic conditions: Immune system disorders, diabetes, HIV, etc. can lead to gingivitis.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of nutrients such as vitamins can cause gum sensitivity.

How do I know if I have gingivitis?

This condition, which is characterised by affecting the gums in different ways, presents a series of associated signs. Among them, the main symptoms of gingivitis are:

• Redness.
• Sensitivity or pain in the gums.
• Swelling.
• Bleeding.
• Bad taste in the mouth or bad breath.

If you have any of these symptoms, you are most likely suffering from gingivitis.

How do you cure gingivitis?

Does gingivitis have a cure? Fortunately, yes, it is reversible. This can be prevented and treated by changing your oral hygiene habits and using specific products such as those we mention below:

• Proper brushing: this helps remove food debris and prevent plaque build-up. For proper brushing, we recommend brushing your teeth after every meal for at least 2 minutes. Remember to change your brush head or manual toothbrush every 3 months so cleaning remains effective and to avoid infections.

• Electric brushing: always better than conventional brushing.
• Using oral hygiene accessories: we should complete our cleaning routine by using mouthwashes, dental floss or tape, irrigators...
• Visit the dentist regularly: to detect potential problems early and prevent or treat them.
• Follow a healthy, balanced diet: especially one rich in fruit and vegetables.

How can you reduce gum inflammation?

To prevent gum sensitivity or bleeding, our aim is not only to avoid plaque build-up, but also to use specific products that help and soothe our gums.

Toothpaste for gingivitis

The new toothpaste Parodontax Pasta Encías con Ácido Hialurónico is especially recommended for people with gum problems such as sensitivity or bleeding. This toothpaste helps reinforce the gums, strengthen them and prevent bleeding thanks to the hyaluronic acid in its formula.

Mouthwash for gingivitis

The new Colutorio Parodontax Refuerza y Protege will act as a supportive treatment to strengthen the gums and help prevent bleeding, thereby improving gingivitis.

Mouthwash should be complementary in our oral hygiene routine and should not replace toothpaste. It should be an essential part of our routine to complete brushing and help prevent gingivitis or other oral conditions.

Soft electric toothbrush

At Farmaciasdirect, we always recommend electric brushing with Cepillo Eléctrico Oral-B iO6, because thanks to the speed and consistency of its movement, it can reach places a normal toothbrush cannot and loosen and remove any possible residue.

In addition, Oral-B iO6 allows us to improve the quality of our brushing:

• It offers different cleaning modes to suit our needs.
• It helps us monitor brushing time.
• It alerts us when we need to change the brush head.
• It lets us know whether we are applying the right pressure to the gums.
• It guides us through the areas of the mouth we need to clean and how long we should spend on each one.
• It offers the option of tracking our brushing habits through the app.

Now that you know what gingivitis is and how it is treated, we would like to remind you that if you still have any questions, you can contact our team of expert pharmacists.