Understanding gingivitis and how to avoid it - There are multiple phases of it (the earlier phases are less severe) and it’s extremely common (even amongst celebrities). To explore more about gingivitis, how to avoid it, and learn which celebrities have suffered from it, click through the gallery.

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It should be taken seriously -

Although it’s very common, it’s essential to take it seriously because it can lead to more serious gum diseases called periodontitis, as well as tooth loss.

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Brush well -

Gingivitis is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, and so this becomes the first step in battling it. Brushing twice a day is essential.

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Checkups are important -

Because the plaque where the tooth and gum meet is the issue, flossing and regular checkups and cleanings really help.

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Visible symptoms -

Some of the more visible symptoms are that your gums will be swollen and puffy, they can be dark red, and they will bleed easily when you brush or floss.

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Bad breath -

Bad breath is one of the more uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms of it. It will also eventually cause gums to be tender and recede.

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The clock is ticking -

The longer that gingivitis is left to linger, the worse it will become. For the large majority of cases, a professional will need to treat it to reverse its damaging effects or prevent it from becoming something worse.

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Here's what happens -

The most common cause is poor oral hygiene which encourages plaque to form on teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue.

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It quickly replenishes -

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms when starch and sugar interact with bacteria normally found in the mouth. It requires daily removal because it reforms quickly.

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Gum recession -

One of the most common visible signs of this is that the gums begin to recede, showing the bones of the teeth and making the teeth appear larger.

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Tobacco products -

One of the biggest risks for this oral health problem is the consumption of tobacco products for direct and indirect reasons. One indirect reason is that people who smoke care less about their teeth anyway.

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It happens naturally with age -

We must remember that there are natural processes that take place as we get older. It becomes harder in many ways to avoid tooth loss and gingivitis when we age.

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Diet -

As we know, sailors would develop scurvy when spending long periods at sea back in the ages of exploration because of a lack of fruit. Today, our anatomy hasn't changed, and nutrition plays a huge role in battling oral health problems.

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Vitamin C -

Vitamin C is the most important nutrient to avoid gingivitis. It’s found in citrus fruit, such as oranges and orange juice, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and potatoes.

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Serious illnesses -

Not all cases are caused by a lack of oral hygiene. Serious illnesses and treatments for conditions like HIV/AIDS or cancer sometimes cause it, too.

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Certain medications -

Certain medications that contain substances like phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) for epileptic seizures, and some calcium channel blockers, used for angina, high blood pressure and other conditions are major risk factors.

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Hormonal changes -

Hormonal changes which are related to pregnancy or the use of birth control pills are also related to gingivitis.

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Genetics -

Unfortunately for some people, genetics play a factor in our predisposed risk to the condition.

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Tooth loss -

The biggest risk factor is that the gingivitis becomes worse and worse until the underlying tissue and bone are compromised, resulting in tooth loss.

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Gingivitis may cause bigger issues -

Chronic gingivitis is related to other issues like respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

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Scientific speculation -

It’s been suggested that the bacteria can eventually enter the bloodstream. However, more research is needed with regard to this claim.

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Trench mouth -

Trench mouth is a severe form of gingivitis which is very rare in UN countries. However, it still affects many in developing countries with poor nutrition and poor living conditions.

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It hits over half of people in the UK -

According to the British Society of Periodontology, gingivitis is common in the UK, with gingival bleeding affecting 55% of adults.

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Whoopi Goldberg -

Goldberg advises people to pay serious attention to their oral health. She discovered that she experienced a lot of bone loss from neglect and had to have emergency surgery.

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Steve Buscemi -

The 'Boardwalk Empire' star has suffered from oral health problems for a long time, including from gingivitis.

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Don't panic -

The statistics should be rather comforting to anyone who suffers from the condition. It is treatable and it is reversible. Once you have been diagnosed, it's not the end. 

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Invest in your oral health -

Oral health is often overlooked until it becomes an issue. One of the most worthwhile things that a person can invest in is some floss and a good soft toothbrush. 

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Oral health touches many parts of our lives -

Our romantic and non-romantic relationships need to take serious care of our oral health. Even at a subconscious level, people take notice of our smiles.

Sources: (Healthline)

See also: Tips for eye health and maintaining good eyesight

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