Do you have bad breath or swollen gums? Bleeding or irritation? You might have gingivitis, also known as gum disease. Gum disease is a fairly common problem, but one that your dentist can correct. However, if left ignored, it could advance, causing you more pain and discomfort and costing a lot more money to treat.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation to the gums and around the base of your teeth. Bad breath, irritation, redness, swollen, or bleeding gums are the most common indicators that you may have gingivitis. 

Inadequate oral hygiene habits typically cause gum problems. Tobacco use, old age, poor nutrition, genetics, and other medical conditions are some of the risk factors. 

The bacteria buildup comes from plaque and will cause your gums to bleed while brushing. Your gums might be irritated and swollen at this stage, but no real damage has occurred to the bone or tissue. If you are experiencing any gingivitis symptoms, it is essential to talk to your dentist and discuss treatment options while still in this stage. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which can be quite serious. 

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a more severe gum infection that affects the surrounding tissue and bone. The tissue can become damaged, and the bone will start to deteriorate. It occurs when gingivitis is left untreated, though not every gingivitis case develops into periodontal disease. 

Periodontal disease is common, with 8.52% of adults age 20 to 64 infected. However, it is also preventable. Just like with gingivitis, it’s caused by improper or non-existent oral hygiene habits.

The symptoms of periodontal disease are similar to those of gingivitis. However, if it has advanced, you may also see tooth loss, pus between your gums, receding gums, and a change in your bite.

How Is It Treated?

Luckily, gingivitis is treatable and reversible. The first step is to make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning. This will remove all plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Once you’ve had a cleaning, be sure to maintain it by brushing twice and flossing once daily. Adopting a proper oral hygiene routine is the key to preventing gum problems.  

Periodontal disease is a lot trickier to treat. Several non-surgical procedures, such as scaling, root planing, and antibiotics, can help treat your periodontitis. For severe cases, we may advise treatments such as soft-tissue grafts and bone grafting. 

If you have been experiencing symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease, contact our office today. Take care of your oral health before real damage is done by scheduling an appointment.