Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that develops when plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, which allows harmful bacteria to attack this soft tissue.
Luckily, the condition is easily treated with the help of a dentist. But it’s important to know the signs and see a specialist before the condition gets worse and leads to irreparable dental damage.
The most common symptoms of gingivitis include:
Most of these signs are mild, but even so, they are reason enough to see a dentist.
Gingivitis doesn’t go away on its own. Once the gums become inflamed, the condition can slowly progress until you develop gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). This is a serious oral health issue that could lead to a lot of dental damage.
The treatment for gingivitis may differ slightly from patient to patient. But the most common approach is a professional dental cleaning, which can remove the hardened tartar from the teeth and prevent bacteria from attacking the gums.
You may also need to improve your oral hygiene habits and use an antimicrobial mouthwash for a while to help reduce the inflammation.
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that could lead to:
This disease is also progressive, meaning the symptoms will get worse over time if you don’t get the right treatment. Moreover, if gingivitis turns into gum disease, its effects are non-reversible, meaning you will need additional dental work to restore your smile.
Some common ways to treat periodontal disease include:
This is why it’s critical to get the right treatment as soon as you notice the first signs of gingivitis. At this stage, the disease can be reversed since it likely hasn’t caused any permanent damage to your smile yet.
Lisa M. Skutak, DDS, is an experienced dentist who can help restore the health of your gums and overall smile.
If you’ve noticed the signs of gingivitis or even think you may have gum disease, request an appointment at Skutak Dental online and stop by to discover your treatment options.
Want to learn more about our services? Call us at (715) 355-4433 today.