Gingivitis is a condition where the gums gets inflamed or swollen due to the bacteria that attach to the tooth or below the gum line. Manifestations of this condition also include red gums and bad breath.  Research has shown that gum disease like gingivitis has been linked to heath disease.  This is because the bacteria that causes gingivitis has the capability to move from the mouth to other places in the body including arteries, causing or accelerating the atherosclerosis form of heart disease.

Once the gums begin to bleed, it provides a route for the bacteria to enter the bloodstream. These dental bacteria contain a chemical in their surfaces causing the platelets of the body to stick together, resulting in platelets completely encasing the bacteria. This will protect the bacteria from the immune system and antibiotics causing deterioration of heart valves and inflammation of blood vessels.

Bacteremia, a bacterial infection of the blood, has also been observed to be caused by gum disease. The known incidents of such infection have been observed in 100% of the patients after dental extraction, in 70% after dental scaling, in 55% after third-molar surgery, and in 20% after endodontic treatment. It is suggested that after any dental work, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and a bottle of water must be ready. This will be used to rinse the mouth several times with hydrogen peroxide and then with water right after the dental work to treat gingivitis and remove any bacteria left in the mouth.  It has also been estimated that those people with poor dental hygiene lose about 10 years of life due to the dental bacteria spreading to the rest of the body.

To treat gum disease, one must start having a good oral hygiene. Using a soft bristle toothbrush helps clean the mouth better without irritating the gums.  Oxygenating toothpaste and mouthwash is recommended because it will not only freshen one’s mouth, it also helps in eliminating the bad taste as well as reducing the bacteria that cause the bad breath.

Watching what one eats is another step in order to treat gingivitis.  Adequate foods like Vitamin C and calcium would significantly lessen the risk for gum disease. Calcium has been known to strengthen the bone mass beneath the gum line and minimizes bone decay from bacteria.  Vitamin C also helps reduce the periodontal pockets that harbor harmful bacteria, which keeps gums disease from progressing and can also alleviate symptoms in people with periodontal disease because of its anti-inflammatory properties.