Red, puffy or inflamed gums can be indicative of the early stages of gingivitis and an early warning sign of possible gum disease. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor dental hygiene and the condition can be largely avoided by brushing and flossing the teeth properly and regularly.
However, there are other causes of gingivitis which may be out of your control. These include:
- Hormonal change during pregnancy
- Family history of gingivitis and gum disease
- Certain medications
Beyond brushing and flossing properly, no special treatment is usually required although the dentist may carry out a deep cleaning to remove plaque from around the gumline and you can find out more about gingivitis at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/gingivitis-top-causes-and-how-to-treat-it/
Matthew Houlton BDS(Sheffield) MFGDP(UK)I’m Matthew Houlton, principal dentist and practice owner of Manor House Dental Practice.
Qualified from Sheffield dental hospital in 1993.
Post graduate training with Paul Tipton (Specialist Prosthodontist) from 2005-2007.
Diploma for Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) 2007.
Special interest in Orthodontics.
Yorkshire Deanary Fixed Appliance Training Scheme 2002-2004.
I have worked at York Hospital’s orthodontic department one session a week since 2009.
Member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies (the study of temporomandibular disorder).
I have two children, who keep me busy when I am not at the practice. I take a keen interest in and teach Aikido, a martial art, to keep a healthy mind and body.
