Do you have gingivitis? Fact is, many people don’t realize it, but they, and perhaps you, have some degree of gingivitis.

The cause of gingivitis is generally hormonal changes that happen when you’re younger. Other causes of gingivitis include illness, poor dental hygiene, medications and any metals in your mouth.

Know it or not, the health of your mouth greatly impacts the health of the rest of your body. Here are some indicators you need to be concerned about:

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? No, it’s not normal if it’s persistent. This can be a red flag that something is wrong. Gums bleed for many different reasons, including hormonal changes, heavy brushing of your teeth, blood disorders, infection and poor dental hygiene.

• Are your gums a bright red color?

• Are your gums tender when you touch them?

• Do you have mouth sores?

• Are your gums swollen or shiny in appearance?

What to do. Your goal is to reduce inflammation in your mouth, so you should see a dentist right away. Make sure you talk to your oral care specialist to ensure you know the best way to brush and floss your teeth.

In addition to general brushing and flossing, your dentist may recommend the use of antibacterial mouth rinses and professional cleaning a couple times each year. Healthy gums should appear a pink color and be relatively firm.

Have bleeding gums? As mentioned earlier, this is a red alert that you need to see a dentist immediately. Here are some key points to follow for optimal mouth health:

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

• Brush your teeth after every meal and use a circular motion and floss twice daily.

• Follow a healthy diet and avoid consuming sugar-based beverages and food items and tobacco use.

• Make sure you’re getting the proper daily vitamin amounts—take a supplement if needed.

• Massage your gums.

See our next issue for signs and treatment strategies for periodontitis.