Gingivitis
Prevention and early detection of dental issues is the best way to treat them. During regular exams, your dentist will always examine your gums to screen for gingivitis, a mild gum disease. If you haven’t had a preventative exam recently, call Prime Time Dentistry to schedule your appointment!
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the initial mild form of gum disease. It can cause swelling, irritation, and redness of the gums. You should take gingivitis very seriously, as it can lead to advanced gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Untreated gingivitis can impact your tooth appearance, smile, and overall health.
Causes of gingivitis
Poor dental hygiene commonly causes gingivitis. However, other factors such as age, genetics, poor diet, tobacco use, and even hormonal changes such as pregnancy can affect the likelihood of developing gingivitis. Gingivitis results from inflammation due to the untreated buildup of plaque and tartar at the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and feeds on the sugars and starches in your food. The plaque can harden into tartar if not removed by your dentist and a good oral health regimen. Plaque and tartar left on your teeth will cause inflammation of your gums and lead to gingivitis and, in severe cases, advanced gum disease.
At Prime Time Dentistry, your Frisco dentist screens every patient for the buildup of plaque and the appearance of gingivitis during regular oral health checkups.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Because gingivitis in its earliest stages often doesn’t have symptoms you will notice, you must visit your dentist regularly for professional teeth cleanings and exams. During these exams, your dentist can detect the earliest signs of gum disease. Some more advanced symptoms of gingivitis are:
- Bad breath
- Tender gums
- Swollen gums
- Dark red gums
- Receding gums
- Gums that bleed easily with brushing or flossing
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see us at Prime Time Dentistry to be screened for gingivitis and have your teeth cleaned. Oral health is essential to living an overall healthy life, and catching gingivitis in its early stage is crucial to your oral health and maintaining a beautiful smile.
Preventing Gingivitis
The best way to prevent gingivitis is by following a basic oral health care regimen and regularly visiting your dentist for cleanings and exams. Some things you can do to prevent gingivitis are:
- Floss at least once daily
- Brush your teeth twice a day or as recommended by your dentist
- Eating a healthy diet, limiting sugary food and drinks that feed the buildup of plaque
Your Frisco dentist and the dental hygienists at Prime Time Dentistry are trained to clean plaque and tartar from your teeth and recognize the earliest signs of gingivitis. We will provide you with the highest-quality personalized care to meet and exceed your dental needs. At Prime Time Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority.
If you think you have gingivitis or have not had a dental cleaning in a while, don’t risk your oral health any longer. Call our office today at 945-207-7463 to schedule your appointment.
