Maintaining your oral health is important for your general health and wellness. As time has passed, more research has shown that the mouth is an indicator of the overall health of your body and mind.
Gingivitis is an early indicator of a more serious oral condition. What is gingivitis? How do you treat gingivitis? Learn the answers to these questions and more.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontitis, more commonly known as gum disease. It is characterized by red, irritated, and sometimes bleeding gums. Gingivitis is caused by plaque that builds up along the gumline, resulting in a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. Gingivitis may exist without causing you discomfort.
If gingivitis is treated promptly, it can prevent the onset of more severe forms of gum disease. Once gum disease reaches the advanced stages it becomes much more difficult and financially involved to address.. This is why early detection and treatment of gingivitis is so important.
Treatment for Gingivitis
Gingivitis is relatively easy to treat. A thorough cleaning can remove plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) from the surface of the teeth, especially along the gumline. Once the teeth have been professionally cleaned, the patient needs to practice good oral hygiene habits on a daily basis going forward. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is a good place to start. Pay special attention to the gum line when you brush by moving your toothbrush in a circular motion over your teeth at the edge of your gums. In most cases gingivitis will clear up with proper care.
Advanced Stage Periodontal Disease
If gingivitis is not treated it can progress into the more advanced stages of periodontal disease.
- Early Periodontitis. The inflamed gum tissue will recede or pull away from the teeth, creating pockets of space between the teeth and gums. Additional bacteria will gather in these pockets, resulting in a more severe infection. Bone tissue may also become damaged due to the infection.
- Moderate Periodontitis. As periodontal disease worsens, the gums recede even further and the bones that support the teeth are weakened. The teeth may become loose as their support structures fail.
- Advanced Periodontitis. In advanced stage periodontal disease tooth loss is common. Lack of support can cause unaesthetic tooth shifting and loss of eating ability..
Treatment for Advanced Stage Periodontal Disease
Once periodontal disease reaches the advanced stages, treatment is more involved:
- Scaling and Root Planing. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and calculus from the roots of the teeth under the gums. Root Planing involves smoothing out the surface of the roots to create less area for bacteria to attach to. This may need to be repeated on a regular basis to keep periodontal disease under control.
- Pocket Reduction Surgery. Damage to the jaw bone from periodontal disease creates deep pockets between the teeth and gums. Pocket reduction surgery reshapes the underlying support to reduce the size of the pockets and prevent buildup of plaque. Regenerating the lost support can sometimes be accomplished to save a tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gingivitis
Is gingivitis the same as having gum disease?
Gingivitis is the earliest sign that gum disease. Prompt treatment and oral hygiene improvements can easily stop gingivitis in its tracks.
What should I do if I notice signs of gingivitis?
If you notice that your gums are red, irritated, or bleed when you brush or floss, contact your dentist right away. Prompt treatment can prevent gingivitis from becoming periodontitis.
Why See a Periodontist for Gingivitis?
While general dentists can typically treat gingivitis, it may be in your best interest to see a periodontist. Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry specializes in diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the support structures for the teeth. There may be an underlying cause for gingivitis that a periodontist can treat to prevent periodontal disease.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.