Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and the only form of gum disease that is completely reversible. If gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease, which can damage your gums, teeth, jaw, and overall health. At Seaport Dentistry, our goal is to help patients stop gum disease in its tracks and provide them with the quality dental care they need to keep their teeth and gums as clean and healthy as possible.
Warning Signs of Gingivitis
Gingivitis is not always easy for patients to diagnose on their own, which is one reason why routine dental cleanings and exams are so important. If we notice that there are signs that gum disease developing, we can create a treatment plan to prevent it from advancing.
The most common warning signs of gingivitis are noticeable changes in the appearance of the gums. Patients with gingivitis may notice that their gums look darker, redder, or swollen. If your gums are bleeding frequently or feel very tender, those are also key indicators that gum disease is present. Other symptoms can include bad breath, gum recession, loose adult teeth, or tooth pain. Should you notice any unusual changes in the way that your gums look or feel, please let our team know.
How to Treat Gingivitis
The good news is that gingivitis can be treated easily. Periodontal disease requires routine deep cleanings, which involve cleaning beneath the gum line. These treatments take longer than regular dental cleanings and are less comfortable for the patient. Gingivitis, on the other hand, typically only requires patients to enhance their at-home oral care routines and visit our office for biannual dental cleanings and exams if they’re not doing so already.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled electric toothbrush and toothpaste, flossing every day, and rinsing with an anti-gingivitis mouthwash every day can make a huge difference in the health of your teeth and gums. If you are still concerned about your gum health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team for assistance, as we want to help you fend off gingivitis and keep your gums looking and feeling great.
Gum disease image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0