Have you ever felt a sharp pain when drinking cold water, seen blood when you brush, or noticed that your gums are more swollen and red than usual? Many people might think these are minor issues that will resolve on their own. But the truth is, these are warning signs of gum inflammation (gingivitis). If left untreated, it can progress to cause severe tooth pain and become gum disease or periodontitis, which can lead to permanent tooth loss.
Berry Dent is here to help you check for these dangerous signs, understand the causes, and learn how to perform initial self-care before a small problem becomes a major one that is difficult to solve.
Quick Check! Do You Have Signs of Gingivitis?
Examine your mouth. If you have at least one of these symptoms, your gum health is sending you a warning sign:
- Swollen, red, or dark-colored gums (normally light pink).
- Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing.
- Bad breath, even after brushing.
- Soreness or sensitivity in the gums when touched.
- Receding gums are making your teeth look longer.
- You may also have tooth pain, especially in the area of the inflamed gum.
If you notice these symptoms, don’t panic. In its early stages, gingivitis can be treated and restored to its healthy state.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The main and true villain of gum disease often starts with something invisible to the naked eye…
- Plaque (Microbial Film)
Every time you eat, bacteria in your mouth combine with food debris and saliva to form a sticky film called “plaque,” which adheres to your tooth surfaces and gumline. If not cleaned properly, this plaque builds up, and the bacteria within it release toxins that irritate and inflame the gums.
- Tartar (Calculus)
If plaque is left for a long time, it reacts with minerals in your saliva and hardens into “tartar.” Tartar has a rough surface that is an excellent breeding ground for more plaque, and it’s so hard that it cannot be removed by brushing alone; it must be removed by a dentist.
How to Treat Gingivitis and Relieve Initial Tooth Pain
Once you realize you have symptoms, proper self-care is the most important thing to stop the disease from progressing.
- Brushing: Brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently in a circular motion, focusing on the gumline where plaque tends to accumulate. Using a toothpaste that helps with gingivitis is a great aid.
- Flossing: Essential! Brushing alone cannot clean between the teeth. You should floss at least once a day to remove hidden plaque.
- Warm Salt Water Rinse: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds. This can help reduce inflammation and soothe pain.
When is Gingivitis No Longer a Minor Issue and You Should See a Dentist?
Although initial care can help, if you have these symptoms, you should see a dentist immediately:
- No improvement after 1-2 weeks of diligent self-care.
- Severe, unbearable tooth pain.
- Significant swelling or pus coming from the gums.
- Your teeth are starting to feel loose.
- Unusually severe bad breath.
Don’t be shy or afraid to go to the dentist. Professional scaling and cleaning is the best way to remove the source of the problem and prevent gum disease from progressing until it’s too late to fix. Caring for your oral health is like caring for any other part of your body. Daily attention is the best prevention, especially brushing with a toothpaste containing 1500 PPM of fluoride, like Berry Dent, which effectively protects against cavities and maintains healthy gums. Don’t let gingivitis destroy your smile and confidence.