Dr. Abraham’s Guide to Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a common gum disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums, and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious forms of gum disease and potentially cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
At Executive Dentistry, our Dearborn, MI dentists aim to keep our patients well-informed about their conditions and offer personalized treatment.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a stage of gum disease that affects the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums when you eat or drink. If plaque isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
The bacteria in plaque can irritate your gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to early periodontitis.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
The symptoms of gingivitis can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Abraham, one of the best dentists in Dearborn, MI, as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can prevent it from progressing to a more serious form of gum disease.
Gingivitis Treatment
Treatment for gingivitis will depend on the severity of your condition. In most cases, gingivitis can be treated with professional dental cleaning and improved at-home oral hygiene habits.
A professional dental cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is the most effective way to remove tartar and bacteria from your teeth and gums. During a dental cleaning, Dr. Abraham will use special tools to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums.
In addition to professional dental cleanings, make sure to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Your Dearborn, MI dentist can provide you with tips and advice on how to improve your oral hygiene habits.
Gingivitis Complications
When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious health complications. The inflammation can spread to the supporting structures of the teeth, such as the bone and ligaments, leading to a more advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis.
With untreated periodontal disease, patients may experience the destruction of the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place, leading to tooth loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms of early-stage gum disease symptoms, see your local dentist as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, gingivitis is not contagious. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums, which is only created due to a lack of daily brushing and flossing.
While you can improve your oral hygiene habits at home, it’s important to schedule a professional dental cleaning to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. There are hard-to-reach areas of the mouth that can’t always be cleaned with regular brushing and flossing.
Yes, gingivitis is reversible with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene habits. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
You can prevent gingivitis by practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Make sure to also schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth and gums.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and affects the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which affects the bone that supports your teeth.
Let Us Help You Fight Gum Disease in Dearborn, MI
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have concerns about your oral health, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Abraham in Dearborn, MI. Our team of dental professionals is here to provide you with the care and support you need to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
To schedule an appointment, call us at (313) 914-4440. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!