Dr. Dyer and the rest of our team at Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology strive to educate our patients on the importance of caring for their teeth and gums. We want our patients to practice good preventive care routines that can help them avoid serious oral health issues, and we want them to understand the signs and symptoms of more serious conditions so they know what to watch out for. Read on to learn about how to recognize gingivitis!
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is a common, mild form of gum disease. If quickly diagnosed and properly treated, gingivitis can often be reversed. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a much more serious condition. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and other serious side effects.
What Causes Gingivitis?
Gingivitis occurs when poor oral hygiene leads to plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, which causes gum irritation. Plaque is an invisible, sticky biofilm composed of masses of bacteria. If plaque is not removed during daily at-home oral care, it can turn into tartar, which is a harder substance that must be removed by a dental professional.
Are There Any Additional Risk Factors?
Other factors, like genetics, smoking, old age, and poor nutrition, can increase the risk of developing gingivitis. Additionally, certain health conditions and drugs may also make you more susceptible for developing gum disease. Dr. Dyer can help you assess your risk for developing gingivitis and give you personalized tips on how to reduce the likelihood that you’ll develop it.
What Are the Signs of Gingivitis?
Healthy gums should be firm, look pink, and fit tightly around your teeth. If you notice abnormal irritation, redness, or swelling of your gums, you should call our office. Additionally, gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing, bad breath, or receding gums are also cause for concern. These are often signs that gingivitis is beginning to develop. To protect your oral health, make sure to gently brush you teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time, floss at least once a day every day, and visit our office every six months!
To ask our well-qualified team any additional questions about how to prevent, detect, and treat gingivitis, or to schedule your next dental cleaning and checkup at our office, contact us today!
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