What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a mild early form of gum disease that occurs when bacteria and plaque build in the mouth and cause an infection. Common symptoms are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. You can successfully manage and treat gingivitis with the help of a dentist. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more severe gum disease called periodontitis.

 Causes of Gingivitis

It is normal to have bacteria in your mouth; most of them are natural and safe. However, some bacteria create plaque, a sticky, almost clear film that coats teeth. Built-up plaque can lead to an infection on the gumline where your teeth and gums meet, resulting in gingivitis. Untreated plaque eventually hardens and transforms into tartar, which can be even more challenging to remove and trap more bacteria.

 Symptoms of Gingivitis

At first, gingivitis might not have any noticeable symptoms. However, once the condition worsens over time, patients often develop persistent bad breath that does not go away even after brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Your gums may swell or bleed easily, especially when brushing your teeth. Gingivitis also causes increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods, including pain or tenderness while chewing.

How to Treat Gingivitis 

Gingivitis must be treated by a dentist to control the infection and restore your teeth and gums to a healthy state. Your Plantation dentist, Tamarac dentist, or Davie dentist will perform an exam and deep cleaning to remove harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar. They might recommend scaling and root planing to remove stubborn tartar underneath your gums and teeth if your condition is more severe.

Schedule an Exam With a Gum Disease Dentist

To prevent gingivitis from reoccurring, you must consistently practice good oral hygiene. It’s essential to brush your teeth twice daily for the recommended two minutes, floss, and use a fluoride mouthwash. Always avoid smoking and other tobacco products, as well as reduce your intake of food and drinks with high amounts of sugar, alcohol, and carbonation. You should also schedule annual exams with our Plantation dentist, Tamarac dentist, or Davie dentist to prevent gingivitis or catch it early on.

September 14, 2022