Gum disease has many signs and symptoms, ranging from mild gum irritation to tooth loss. Symptoms vary depending on the level of disease. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which, if left untreated, will progress to the more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis. Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease and, fortunately, it is treatable. We welcome you to schedule a consultation with Cary cosmetic dentists Raymond Ferri and Patrick Lawrence for your personalized treatment plan.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Gum disease is essentially a bacterial infection of the gums, caused by a buildup of plaque. Gingivitis occurs when the teeth and gum line are not sufficiently cleaned. The symptoms of gingivitis are typically mild, however, if left untreated, will lead to serious problems. The signs of gingivitis include:
Redness: Healthy gums are pink and firm. Red gums are an early sign of infection.
Healthy gums are pink and firm. Red gums are an early sign of infection. Swollen Gums: Gums suffering from gingivitis may be swollen.
Gums suffering from gingivitis may be swollen. Tender Gums: Tenderness of the gums is another sign of gingivitis.
Tenderness of the gums is another sign of gingivitis. Bleeding while brushing or flossing: Bleeding gums while flossing or brushing is one of the most commonly experienced symptoms of gingivitis.
Treatments for Gingivitis
It is best to treat gingivitis at the earliest signs. Untreated gingivitis can lead to more severe gum disease, called periodontitis. Periodontitis is marked by persistent bad breath, pus along the gum lines, pockets around the teeth, and eventually tooth loss. For some, mild gingivitis can be treated with practicing proper oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene includes:
Properly brush your teeth at least twice a day: In order to properly brush your teeth, you must brush for at least two full minutes, paying special attention to the gum line and back teeth.
In order to properly brush your teeth, you must brush for at least two full minutes, paying special attention to the gum line and back teeth. Floss daily: Plaque buildup causes gingivitis, so it is vital to floss daily to remove plaque between the teeth that brushing alone cannot reach.
Plaque buildup causes gingivitis, so it is vital to floss daily to remove plaque between the teeth that brushing alone cannot reach. Use an antiseptic mouthwash: Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash can help treat gingivitis by reducing bacteria in the mouth.
Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash can help treat gingivitis by reducing bacteria in the mouth. See your dentist for regular check-ups: Seeing your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings is important in maintaining healthy gums and treating gum disease at the earliest signs.
Seeing your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings is important in maintaining healthy gums and treating gum disease at the earliest signs. Deep cleaning treatments: Deep cleaning treatments, like root planing and scaling, are used to remove plaque below the gum line. steel bite pro reviews consumer reports tells that the supplement is made purely from the natural ingredients that are helpful in betterment of the oral health or the consumer. Since, there are no chemicals added therefore the price is very nominal and causes no side effects.
Deep cleaning treatments, like root planing and scaling, are used to remove plaque below the gum line. Antibiotics: Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque, which is made up of bacteria. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to reduce the bacterial infection causing gingivitis.
Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque, which is made up of bacteria. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to reduce the bacterial infection causing gingivitis. Restorative treatments: If you suffer from gum disease, you may require restorative dental treatments. For our patients in Cary, dental crowns are a great solution to restoring the appearance and strength of damaged teeth.
