Let’s test your knowledge! How much do you know about gingivitis? Decide if each sentence is a true gum disease fact or not! Hover over each box to reveal the answer.
Fact or Fiction: Gingivitis forms from plaque building up.
Fact!
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. It occurs when plaque, which is a type of bacteria, builds up on your teeth, causing your gums to become irritated.
Fact or Fiction: Smoking increases your risk of gingivitis.
Fact!
People who smoke regularly have a much higher chance of developing gingivitis and other gum diseases as compared to those who do not. Those who have a family history of the disease or suffer from dry mouth also have increased risks of developing the disease. Medical concerns like cancer, HIV, and diabetes raise your chances of poor gum health.
Fact or Fiction: If your gums start bleeding, you have gingivitis.
Fiction!
Bleeding gums can occur from a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, gingivitis. Brushing your teeth too aggressively, using tobacco, and poor nutrition are other reasons your gums may become sensitive and bleed. Whatever the reason, bleeding gums is never good and usually is an early signal of gum disease.
Fact or Fiction: Lack of protein contributes to poor gum health.
Fiction!
One of the biggest drivers of poor gum health is being vitamin C deficient. Low vitamin C levels contribute to the early stages of gum infection and bleeding. To keep your gums healthy, make sure you’re loading up on vitamin C friendly foods like oranges, berries, broccoli, and spinach. If you need to, you can also take vitamin C supplements to ensure that you’re receiving the proper dosage. Vitamin C is great for your gums but also your whole body, so the more the merrier!
Fact or Fiction: Bad breath is a sign of gingivitis.
Fact!
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is a common way for your mouth to signal that something isn’t quite right. It’s normal to experience some stink after eating certain foods (like onions and garlic), but if you’re experiencing persistently foul breath, then it could be a sign of gingivitis. Other symptoms may include bright red gums that bleed frequently and softs gums.
Fact or Fiction: Gum disease can lead to heart problems.
Fact!
When left untreated, gingivitis can turn into a serious gum disease that can impair other areas of your body. Gingivitis can even spread outside of your gums and hurt your teeth, bones, and tissue. When it becomes severe enough, gingivitis can lead to serious medical concerns such as cardiovascular issues, strokes, and lung disease.
Fact or Fiction: Gingivitis has no cure.
Fiction!
If gingivitis is diagnosed early enough, it can be treated and even reversed. Treatment should be done by a qualified dentist. It’s also important that you keep up with optimal dental hygiene moving forward, including proper flossing, brushing and using an antiseptic mouthwash.
