How Do You Fix Gingivitis?
Before we discuss treatment for gingivitis, you are probably wondering, “What exactly is gingivitis?” We’re all familiar with the term, but not necessarily the nuances of the disease. Gingivitis is the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque (a sticky film on the teeth), irritates the gums causing them to become red and/or even bleed. The American Dental Association says, “Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth and is caused by a buildup of plaque.”
Dentists say that while some cases of gingivitis progress to periodontitis, periodontitis is always preceded by gingivitis. Another fact, gingivitis is pretty common occurring in three out of four Americans during their lifetime. The good news is that gingivitis (or gum disease), is treatable – even reversible depending on the case. So, how do you know if you have gingivitis?
Signs and Symptoms
To determine whether or not you have gingivitis, examine your gum health. Usually, symptoms present themselves as inflammation of the gums. Below are additional signs to monitor:
- Gums that bleed easily, especially after brushing or flossing.
- Red, swollen and tender gums
- Bad breath
Causes of Gingivitis
After examining your gum health and deciding that you have several signs and symptoms of gingivitis, you might be wondering how it developed? The ADA says the following factors can put you at a higher risk of developing gingivitis:
- Poor dental health
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
- Age
- Mental health issues
- Stress
The Good News
Gingivitis can sound pretty intimidating but rest assured that it is treatable. Eliminating first-stage gingivitis can be as simple as a professional cleaning at your dentist’s office. Of course, treatment is dependent on each case, and in severe situations treatment might include surgical tissue or bone grafts. This type of surgery is only needed if the tissue surrounding the teeth cannot be repaired by a deep-cleaning or scraping away of plaque buildup.
If you are concerned about gingivitis or want to learn more, contact your dentist to schedule an exam. It’s important to treat gingivitis in its early stages to avoid tooth loss in the future.