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— ADVERTORIAL— Dr. Vineet Bhandari lentist Things to know about gingivitis Simply put, gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Gingiva refers to the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. The “itis” means inflammation. Gum inflammation is caused by the body’s response to bacteria in the mouth. The mouth has millions of bacteria, some harmful and some not. The problem usually starts when overgrowth of bacteria occurs due ito insufficient in simple bacteria-related gingivitis, bacteria attaches to a tooth via dental plaque. When plaque is not cleaned away it starts to irritate the gum, which in turn, signals the body to initiate an inflammatory response. This response causes bleeding and redness as blood cells are brought to the site of the inflammation to attack the invading plaque and heal the gums. In other cases of gingivitis, the body may be responding to other factors. Hormonal fluctuations in women, whether it is during pregnancy, the menstrual cycle or peri- menopause, can cause a woman’s mouth to be very sensitive to dental plaque and contribute to the development of hormone-induced gingivitis. As well, people who are diabetic may have other systemic diseases and take medications that can put them at higher risk for edeveloping gingivitis. verall, the most important thing you can on at home for preventing and help treat gingivitis at home is: * Brush three times a day for two minutes with an electric toothbrush. + Floss daily, cleaning well below the gum line. Mouth rinses, such as Listerine, which can help kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis or saltwater rinse (a teaspoon of salt dissolved ina cup of warm water). * Between meals if you are not able to brush, drink water, or chew sugar-free gum for a few minutes to help loosen food and wash it away. Research has shown that it takes about three months for bacterial plaque to mature. “For many gingivitis patients I recommend dental therapy appointments every three to four months so we can remove the harmful biofilm and prevent progression of disease,” Dr. Bhandari explains. “Many patients I see brush very well but forget the flossing. My line is, ‘floss the teeth you want to keep’,” he adds. 2525 Old Bronte Rd. Ste. 470 Oakville 289- 13-8239 Where Caring is Ou PRESENTATION CENTRE NOW OPEN BRINE There For You 905.464.0807 Oakville Estates: Retirement Residence™ ¢ Independent Living Suites ¢ Assisted Living Suites ¢ Secure Memory Care A beautiful Age-In-Place Living Community NOW RESERVING PRESENTATION CENTRE North Oakville Medical Centre Unit 105, 3075 Hospital Gate ALL SENIORS CARE" www.allseniorscare.com LIVING CENTR Call for more information 905.464.0807 PROUDLY [i¢*ll CANADIAN 1 Concern™ Ga 3 A z = : 8 F A g 3 Fa 1B 8 8 woo"uoy]EYyapIsUt