Rinse with Mouthwash X or else! You’ve probably had the word gingivitis used to threaten you in a commercial before, but have you ever wondered what it really is? Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and its symptoms include sore, red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. Gums suffering from gingivitis might even be numb instead of sore.

Although the disease can be caused by a lack of dental hygiene, which causes plaque to accumulate, irritate, and infect the gums, this disease can also be caused by brushing too hard. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to trench mouth, which involves deep ulcerations in your gums, eventual tooth loss, and is extremely uncomfortable.

If you think you may have gingivitis, you should see your dentist immediately. If you don’t have dental insurance right now, you should at least buy a discount dental plan to make your visit and the subsequent treatment of the condition affordable, but since leaving gingivitis untreated will cost you much more than money in the long run this is one investment you should definitely make.

Search for Low Cost Dental Plan providers in your area.