Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that causes the area of your gums around the base of your teeth to become irritated and inflamed. When gingivitis is detected by you or your dentist, it’s important to treat it right away before it becomes a later stage of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis is a very serious condition in which your gums begin to recede from your teeth, causing the teeth to become loose and potentially fall out. If gum disease goes untreated, it can spread past your mouth and cause health problems throughout your body.
How Do I Know If I Have Gingivitis or Gum Disease?
There are several signs and symptoms of gingivitis or gum disease that you can keep a lookout for on your own. One of the most common signs of gingivitis is puffy, swollen gums that are often more red than normal around the base of your teeth. Another sign of gum disease is your gums easily bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth. You should also keep an eye out for gums that appear to be receding from your teeth, as this can be a sign of more advanced gum disease. If you notice any of these symptoms or believe that you may have gingivitis or gum disease, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for as soon as possible. The sooner you can see a dentist, the better their chances are of repairing the damage that gum disease has inflicted.
How To Prevent Gingivitis and Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gingivitis and gum disease is by practicing good oral hygiene. For this, you should be brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice per day, flossing at least once per day, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and a checkup every 6 months.
Contact Gentle Dental Of Southern Maine!
If you have any questions about gingivitis, gum disease, or any other dental problem, please feel free to contact Gentle Dental! With offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham, we’re here to provide southern Maine with the very best in family dentistry. If you’re an existing patient with us, please feel free to give us a call at your normal office, or if you’re not yet a patient with us, please fill out the new patient form on our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!