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What You Should Know About Gingivitis?

You may have heard your dentist talk about gingivitis, but how much do you know about it? In simple terms, gingivitis is the first warning sign of gum disease. It’s a sign you need to pay better attention to your dental health. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more advanced conditions, including periodontitis. Here’s what you need to know to protect your teeth and gums.

How Gum Disease Starts

How does gum disease start? Every time you eat or drink something, the food or liquid leaves a film on your teeth. This film turns into plaque, which feeds the bacteria in your mouth. Your mouth has good and bad bacteria, but plaque causes bad bacteria to take over. This bacteria then attacks your tooth enamel and gums.

When Plaque Becomes Tartar

Regular flossing and brushing will help prevent plaque buildup.

If you don’t remove plaque, it becomes tartar. At this point, it’s impossible to remove without professional cleaning.

What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?

The most common symptoms are:

  • Sore, painful gums.

  • Frequent bleeding when brushing or flossing.

  • Chronic bad breath.

How Does Your Dentist Treat Gingivitis?

Your dentist can help prevent gingivitis from getting worse with deep cleaning methods. Some people naturally build up plaque more quickly than others. If you do, you may find you need cleanings more often than twice a year. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about the right schedule for your regular checkups,

If you have developed periodontal disease, your dentist will prescribe more intensive treatments. You may need a professional deep cleaning known as root planing and scaling. You might also try advanced home care tools, including an electric toothbrush or an electric water flosser.

How To Prevent Gingivitis

The good news is you can prevent gingivitis and even reverse it by practicing good oral hygiene.

Brush: Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Be sure to brush after every meal and at bedtime.

Floss: Many people dislike flossing, but it’s key to keeping your gums clean and free of bacteria. All types of floss work equally well, so use the kind you find easiest to use. You may find it easier to use a water flosser or interdental brushes.

Use mouthwash: Studies show an antibacterial mouthwash can greatly reduce your risk of gingivitis. Use mouthwash once a day before or after brushing.

Regular dental checkups: Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Routine exams are the best way to keep your teeth clean and catch early signs of gum disease.

Gingivitis Leads To Periodontal Disease

If you don’t remove plaque every day, your gingivitis may progress to periodontitis or periodontal disease. You’ll experience more advanced symptoms, including pain when chewing, extreme sensitivity, and loose teeth.

Periodontitis is a serious condition that involves ongoing, intensive treatment. If you don’t get the treatment you need, you could lose your teeth and cause irreversible damage to your gums.

When To Call Your Dentist

Call your dentist right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Tender gums that bleed frequently.

  • Red, swollen and receding gums.

  • Persistent bad breath, even after brushing or flossing.

  • Pain when chewing.

  • Loose teeth.

Keep Your Smile Bright

Keep your smile bright and your gums healthy with our help. At Malan Family Dentistry, we provide the care you need to prevent gum disease. Call us today to schedule a cleaning and checkup.