Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease. It primarily occurs due to an accumulation of a film of plaque or bacteria on the teeth. It causes serious trouble in your mouth as inflammation, redness, irritation, and swelling to the gums are just some of its symptoms. If you don’t get treatment on time, it can further lead to a worrisome gum disease known as periodontitis. A primary cause of gingivitis is a lack of good oral hygiene. Good oral health habits like brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and going for regular dental checkups can help prevent it.

Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

Finding little blood in the sink after flossing or brushing might be a sign that your teeth and gums are in bad health. Bleeding from the gums is an early sign of a reversible, treatable form of gum problem. And, if you leave this untreated, this mild gum problem can progress to an advanced stage that can permanently damage your bones and tissues, which hold your teeth in place. But bleeding gums isn’t the only sign; here are more signs that you need to look out for:

• Purple or bright red gums
• Tender gums that are painful to touch
• Bleeding from gums from flossing and brushing
• Gum irritation

However, in mild cases of gingivitis, there is no discomfort or any noticeable symptoms.

Decoding the signs for you here

So, how do start decoding the sign of gum diseases? We have several things you should look out for.

• Red and Puffy Gums

Red, puffy, and swollen gums with blood in the sink is a major symptom of gingivitis. This is due to the increase in the amount of plaque on the teeth. When the gums become irritated and inflamed, they begin to bleed; especially, when you brush and floss. The common cause of bleeding gums is inconsistent oral health routine as the germs and food get lodged between your gums and teeth, which lead to plaque buildup.

• Bleeding Gums

A thin layer of plaque called biofilm can stick on the gums of your mouth. The biofilm is pale yellow in color and is normal to occur. However, when you fail to remove the biofilm regularly, it collects and develops plaque. Plaque eventually causes irritations of the gums, causing it to bleed. Bleeding gums can lead to much more serious dental problems such as Periodontitis or Gingivitis.

• Bad Breath

A common sign and symptom of gingivitis is bad breath. While having bad breath can make social meets quite embarrassing, many still ignore this sign initially. But the symptom can worsen and turn into Halitosis. While poor oral hygiene eventually leads to harmful bacteria being clinging to your gums, teeth, and tongue, gum diseases can also play a major role in causing bad breath.

• Tooth Extraction

There are several reasons why people need to undergo the tooth extraction procedure, but one of the most common ones is gum disease. Sometimes, severe gum diseases cannot be reversed, in which case, the dentist has no choice but to recommend a tooth extraction for you.

How Can LISTERINE® Mouthwash Help?

LISTERINE® has been a pioneer of mouthwash with 100 years of science in a bottle^. It is formulated with four essential oils Thymol, Menthol, Eucalyptol and Methyl Salicylate which can effectively penetrate plaque biofilm and remove 99.9% germs*that cause gum problems, bad breath, and plaque. This ADA approved mouthwash provides three times# healthier gums and reduced early signs of gum problem in two weeks**. Now with a 30- second rinse twice daily with LISTERINE® — the powerful mouthwash —protect your mouth from germs.

^{*Helps remove oral germs associated with bad breath, gum problems and plaque. When rinsed twice daily for 30seconds}

^{#Vs. mechanical methods with regular use}

^{**When used as per the usage instructions mentioned on pack. Individual results may vary. Based on Clinical Study conducted to determine activity of Listerine mouthwash for Modified Gingivitis Index.}

^{^With reference to brand presence globally}

This information is intended to generate awareness amongst the users of oral care hygiene products. It is always recommended to seek advice from your dentist or other qualified health care provided for any diagnosis or treatment.