Are you gums sore and red? Does your mouth bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? If you answered yes to these questions you probably have the mildest form of gum disease called gingivitis. Although gingivitis is common among many adults, it’s still a very important issue to take control of as soon as possible.

So why is gingivitis such a serious issue if it’s one of the more mild forms of gum disease? If it goes without treatment, gingivitis can lead to problems in the connective tissue and bone within the mouth. Not only can the disease affect the mouth, gingivitis can lead to even more serious health issues.

According to HowStuffWorks Health, “bacteria from gingivitis can enter your bloodstream and cause additional health effects, including heart disease and lung and respiratory problems.”

Other studies have shown that gum disease has been linked to a number of other problems including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s and dementia, premature labor and other birth issues.

How to prevent gingivitis:

There are many ways you can prevent yourself from getting gingivitis. The most important and easiest way to keep your mouth clean is by brushing, flossing, and using mouth wash every day. It’s vital to brush your teeth for at least two minutes and to make sure you’re covering the entirety of your mouth. Do this twice a day, along with flossing and using mouthwash at least once a day to ensure that you’re keeping your mouth as healthy as possible.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re keeping yourself healthy overall. Avoid things like smoking or chewing tobacco. Keep a healthy diet and be sure to visit your Goodyear Dental Office as recommended to make sure that you’re keeping your body and your mouth healthy at all times