Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gums. In fact, some people are not even aware of the problem because gingivitis can be mild.
Nevertheless, it’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it as soon as possible. That’s because gingivitis can result in much more serious gum disease and even tooth loss.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. In the early stages of gingivitis, the bacteria in plaque buildup. This causes the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily during brushing. Even though the gums may be irritated, the teeth are firmly still planted in their sockets. At this point, there is no tissue damage or irreversible bone loss.
Preventative methods include good oral health habits such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental checkups.
But, when left untreated, gingivitis become periodontitis, or gum disease. At this point, the inside layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, developing a pocket. These small pockets collect particles and can become infected. While the disease is progressing the pockets get deeper and more bone and gum tissue are destroyed. When this occurs, the teeth are no longer set in place and loosen, eventually resulting in tooth loss.
Unfortunately, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease. If you think you may be experiencing the early stages of gum disease, the best approach is to consult a qualified professional. The experts at The Wagner Centre can provide an evaluation that will identify if you have a problem and which stage of gum disease you may be experiencing.
Treatments for Gingivitis
Scaling and root planing are two procedures that work to clear the teeth of harmful plaque and tartar buildup. When periodontal disease is left unchecked for a long time, it can lead to deeper consequences below the gums. In this case, Pocket Reduction Treatment (Osseous Surgery) may be the best option.
Regardless of the treatment that makes the most sense for you, the place to start is with an evaluation from Dr. Rebecca Wagner. Contact us today and schedule your evaluation.
