Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, can put your smile at risk of developing gum disease. Fortunately, we can reverse gingivitis and help protect your smile, but only if the problem is caught in time. Do you have gingivitis? When should you see a dentist?
Common Questions About Gingivitis
Question: How do I know if I need treatment?
Answer: Gum inflammation can lead to a number of changes in your gums. First, they may feel sore or even bleed when you brush or floss. In addition to bleeding easily, you may also notice our gingival tissue appears more red than usual. If one or more of these signs sound familiar, then you may need to see the dentist for an exam.
Question: What causes gum inflammation?
Answer: Inflammation can develop as a result of hormonal changes, smoking, and family history. The most common cause is plaque buildup. When we don’t properly care for our smiles, plaque can accumulate on our teeth and eventually, irritate the gum tissue. Patients may then develop inflammation.
Question: What happens if I don’t seek treatment?
Answer: Without treatment, gingivitis can eventually lead to gum disease. In the inflammation stage the problem can be reversed. However, gum disease is incurable and must be managed to prevent adult tooth loss, which can occur once the disease reaches the advanced stage.
Question: How do I prevent inflammation?
Answer: First, we recommend brushing and flossing daily to help reduce the severity of plaque buildup. You should also see your dentist once every six months for a thorough cleaning, which removes the buildup and protects the gums. We also urge patients who smoke or use tobacco products to quit.
To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.