Answers to the Three Most Commonly Asked Questions About Gingivitis
A trip to the dentist will result in more than a quick check to see if you have cavities. Your dentist is also going to check your gum health. Why? Because the health of your gums is not just related to the health of your teeth – it is related to your overall health. Gingivitis is one gum issue that most have heard of but few truly understand.
To learn more about what gingivitis is and how it can affect your health, read on. To make an appointment for a comprehensive dental exam and checkup to find out if you have gingivitis, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161.
- What exactly is gingivitis?
- What causes gingivitis?
- Can gingivitis be reversed or cured?
Put simply, gingivitis is the inflammation of your gums. If you have gingivitis then you could notice that your gums are swollen and bleed easily when brushing or flossing. Other symptoms can include dark red gums, receding gums, and bad breath. Any of these symptoms should prompt a visit to the dentist. The good news is that of all the types of gum conditions, gingivitis is one of the most mild. The bad news is that it can lead to periodontitis, which is a serious form of gum disease that can lead to serious health conditions. For example, a person with periodontal disease can lose teeth, can lose bone, and can have a higher chance of diabetes or heart disease.
There are numerous potential causes. One of the most common causes is not taking good care of your gums. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing each day, and seeing your dentist at last twice a year. Other factors can increase the chances of gum disease, including smoking, taking certain medications, or certain medial conditions. Studies are starting to show that genetics can play a role as well.
In many cases, yes – gingivitis can be reversed. This is why you should contact your dentist as soon as possible if you believe you have gingivitis. Certain elements of this condition can lead to the need for professional intervention, such as tartar accumulation, which can lead to gum irritation and eventually gingivitis.
The only way to get tartar off your teeth is with a professional dental cleaning. Once we have determined what the likely causes and contributing factors are regarding your gingivitis, we can come up with a treatment plan that is likely to include brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and specialized treatment. The earlier we can treat you for gingivitis, the better our chances will be of entirely reversing it.
Gingivitis is not something to be afraid of but it is not something to be ignored either. To learn more about the ways in which we can help diagnose and treat this and other dental conditions, please contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161.
