Gingivitis

Overview

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease (periodontal disease). It develops when plaque, tartar and bacteria build up on your teeth, causing red, swollen, bleeding gums.

You can successfully manage gingivitis, especially with the help of a dentist. But left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis (a more severe type of gum disease involving bone loss in your jaw).

Who gets gingivitis?

Gum disease is more likely to occur in:

People assigned male at birth (AMAB), though researchers aren’t sure why. It could have to do with hormones or that people AMAB are more likely to get related diseases.
People living in poverty and those with less than a high school education. These factors are tied to a number of diseases.
People who smoke, as smoking weakens your body’s ability to fight infection.

How common is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is very common. Almost half of all adults older than 30 have some kind of gum disease.

Products & Services

A Book: Future Care

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.