Growing up, I struggled with gum disease, particularly gingivitis, which made it challenging to maintain healthy gums. My journey began with a lack of guidance on how to care for my teeth. My parents, too, had limited knowledge about proper dental hygiene, shaped by their upbringing in South Korea.
Having lived through the Korean War, they focused on survival and meeting basic needs, leaving little time for oral care. As a result, they couldn’t teach us much about maintaining our dental health. This meant I struggled to figure out how to keep my gums healthy, which ultimately led to my ongoing battle with gingivitis.
In my quest to overcome this challenge, I learned the importance of maintaining healthy gums and adopting the right dental care practices. In this post, I want to share my experience and what I’ve learned about preventing gingivitis.
What is Gingivitis and How Do We Get It?
Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gums. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and can be easily treated to ensure healthy gums. If left untreated, however, it can lead to more serious dental problems.
How Do We Get Gingivitis?
Gingivitis usually starts when we don’t clean our teeth properly. Here are some key reasons why it happens:
Plaque Buildup: When we eat, tiny bits of food and bacteria stick to our teeth. If we don’t brush and floss regularly, this sticky film, called plaque, can build up. Eventually, plaque can harden into tartar, which is much harder to remove.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Skipping brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup. So, it’s important to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to keep our gums healthy.
Smoking: Tobacco products can harm our gums and make it harder for them to heal. As a result, smokers are more likely to develop gum disease.
Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones, like those during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also make gums more sensitive and more likely to become inflamed.
Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases can increase the risk of gingivitis, making it harder to maintain healthy gums. Additionally, medications that reduce saliva flow can also contribute to gum problems.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Not getting enough vitamins, especially vitamin C, can weaken our gums and make them more susceptible to infection.
My Journey with Gingivitis for Healthy Gums
Early Years
I grappled with bad breath and bleeding gums from a young age. I thought this was normal, and my parents did too. It wasn’t until my teenage years, when I became more aware of my appearance and the condition of my overcrowded and crooked teeth, that I sought help.
After pleading with my parents, I finally went to the dentist for the first time. During the visit, I found out about the plaque buildup on my teeth and learned that it was quite serious. Therefore, I needed to address my gingivitis to achieve healthy gums before I could even consider getting braces.
The Battle Against Gingivitis
Despite regular dental visits, my gingivitis persisted over the years. Then, about 20 years ago, I noticed bleeding during brushing again, signaling a recurring issue.
After multiple treatments and running out of options, my dentist suggested laser treatment. Not wanting to undergo that, I decided to take control and started a rigorous oral care routine, brushing and flossing three times a day.
Finding Success
After a year of dedication, I visited a new dentist, and the results were incredible. I had no signs of gingivitis, and my gums were healthy!
Remarkably, after committing to my oral health for just one year, my gingivitis was gone after struggling with it my entire life. This marked a turning point not only for my dental health but also for my self-esteem.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
For over two decades now, I have maintained a strong oral care routine. Regular brushing, along with the introduction of flossing using both dental floss and floss brushes, has been instrumental.
As a result, these practices have given me healthy gums, protecting me from gingivitis. Along with a healthy diet, I am able to prevent other dental issues, including root canals and cavities.
Recent Developments
A few months ago, during my latest dental visit, I received a clean bill of health once again, with healthy gums and no signs of gingivitis.
This outcome showed me how important consistent self-care is. It proves that taking a proactive approach to oral health can truly make a difference.
My Journey to Dental Health
My journey with gingivitis has been filled with challenges, but it has also led to valuable insights. By prioritizing prevention and maintaining a diligent oral care routine, I have learned that taking care of my teeth is essential for both my health and confidence.
Gingivitis is a common issue, but it can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to maintain healthy gums. Brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are also key to keeping our gums happy and healthy.
If you notice any signs of gingivitis, such as redness or bleeding gums, it’s always important to see a dentist for advice and treatment. Taking care of our gums is a vital part of achieving and maintaining healthy gums.
