Gingivitis is a mild, early-stage gum disease commonly known as periodontitis. Gingivitis occurs when bacteria infect the gums, causing them to swell, become red, and bleed easily. You are urged to consult your dentist if you have one or more signs of gingivitis. Your Woodlands dentist may evaluate you or schedule a separate appointment during your next visit. Moreover, it depends on how long you have been experiencing symptoms and how serious they are.
Causes of gingivitis
Your gums essentially link to your teeth at a lower location than the visible gum borders. This creates a tiny area known as a sulcus. Food and plaque can become trapped in this region and cause gingivitis or gum infection. Plaque is a thin bacterial coating. It develops on the surface of your teeth all the time. Plaque hardens and generates tartar as it progresses. A plague that spreads beyond the gum line can cause a gum infection. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can cause the gums to detach from the teeth. This can result in:
- Damage to the soft tissue and bone sustains the teeth.
- The tooth becoming loose and shaky.
- The loss of the tooth if the infection persists.
Treating gingivitis
Gingivitis treatment strives to control the infection and restore healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist or periodontist will clean your teeth thoroughly to remove dangerous germs, plaque, and tartar. Other therapies include:
1. Conduct scaling and root planing: Scaling eliminates tartar and germs from your teeth and behind your gums. Conversely, planning smoothes the surfaces of the tooth roots. This procedure aids in the prevention of microorganisms adhering.
2. Provide dental restoration: Crowns, fillings, or bridges that protrude or do not fit well may be repaired or removed by your dentist. Smoother surfaces are less challenging to clean.
3. Recommend an oral care routine: Gingivitis is generally resolved with a thorough tooth cleaning. However, after you come home, you must maintain cleanliness. You will learn how to clean your teeth and receive assistance with scheduling exams properly.
4. Write a prescription: An antibacterial mouth rinse can aid in the destruction of harmful microorganisms.
Complications
Gingivitis, if left untreated, can proceed to gum disease that extends to underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a far more dangerous illness that can result in tooth loss. Chronic gingiva inflammation has been linked to several systemic disorders, including respiratory illness, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. According to some studies, the bacteria that cause periodontitis can enter your circulation through the gum tissue, potentially damaging your heart, lungs, and other organs. More research, however, is required to validate the relationship.
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that is relatively frequent. It is caused by bacterial accumulation on the teeth. This deposit irritates the gum tissue around it, causing it to become inflammatory, discolored, and unpleasant to the touch. Most people may cure gingivitis by practicing proper dental hygiene regularly. Furthermore, regular dental exams can aid in the early detection and treatment of gum disease.
Bacteria are present in everyone’s mouth. Good dental hygiene can prevent germs from producing gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. You can avoid irreversible damage to your teeth and gums if you detect and treat gingivitis early. See a dentist regularly for cleanings and evaluations, not just when you have a toothache or other oral condition. Call Scott Young, DDS, or book your consultation online to learn more about various gingivitis therapies.
