Do I Have Gingivitis?

Gingivitis ("inflammation of the gum tissue”) is a non-destructive periodontal disease. The most common form of gingivitis, and the most common form of periodontal disease overall, is in response to bacterial biofilms (also called plaque) adherent to tooth surfaces, termed plaque-induced gingivitis. In the absence of treatment, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, which is a destructive form of periodontal disease. So if you’ve ever asked the question, “Do I have gingivitis?” here’s how to tell:

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an infection of gum tissues caused by bacteria present in the saliva and tissues of the mouth. This disease is more prevalent in the presence of plaque or tartar buildup on teeth. Gingivitis can be painless and even harmless in the very early stages, but can grow steadily more dangerous over time.

Sign and Symptoms

Normal gums should be firm and pinkish, and should not bleed when you brush your teeth normally. Gingivitis primarily affects the gums. Signs and symptoms include:

·      Painful or tender gums

·      Swelling in the gums

·      Soft gums

·      Gums become dusky red instead of healthy pink

·      Gums bleed after brushing or flossing teeth

Dangers of Gingivitis

In the early stages, gingivitis is easily reversed with proper brushing and flossing of the teeth. But as gingivitis progresses it can lead to periodontitis, in which the bacteria that began by infecting the gums cause gum tissue to pull back from the teeth, exposing the periodontal bone. Bacteria then have access to affect bone directly, causing pitting and shrinking of the bone and an eventual loosening of the teeth.

Treatment and Prevention of Gingivitis

To effectively treat gingivitis, you have to remove the source of the infection. By brushing teeth regularly, plaque buildup can be kept to a minimum. Flossing is very important when it comes to gingivitis treatment and prevention. Flossing helps remove plaque in between teeth that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Regular checkups with your dentist are also important. Here at Krengel Dental in West Bloomington, we can remove plaque that is too dense to be removed by a toothbrush or floss.