Many adults in the United States have gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease. This condition is reversible, but in far too many cases, it is left untreated because people don’t even realize that they have it and don’t take the proper action to address it. For the sake of your oral health, it is vital that you learn about the warning signs of gingivitis – as well as what steps you can take to deal with it.
What are the Warning Signs of Gingivitis?
While the symptoms of gingivitis aren’t always obvious in the beginning, there are a few warning signs you can keep an eye out for. Here are just a few indicators you should be aware of:
- Your gums tend to bleed easily, particularly whenever you brush or floss.
- You have bad breath that won’t go away even if you’re practicing good oral hygiene.
- Your gums have turned red and appear to be swollen.
- You have started to notice discomfort whenever you chew your food.
Why Is Recognizing the Warning Signs of Gingivitis Important?
Gingivitis might not seem like a major threat at first, but it’s essential to catch it as early as possible. If you ignore gingivitis for too long, it will eventually turn into periodontitis, which is a more advanced form of gum disease. This is a major problem because periodontitis can attack the tissues holding your teeth in place, potentially resulting in tooth loss. Furthermore, periodontitis cannot be fully cured; meanwhile, gingivitis can often be reversed as long as you act quickly enough.
What Should You Do If You Notice Signs of Gingivitis?
Naturally, if you have any concerns regarding the health of your gums, you should get in touch with your dentist. They can perform a thorough examination to confirm that you are truly suffering from gingivitis, and they can advise you on what steps you should take next to protect your smile.
In some cases, you may need to undergo a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. The scaling step involves the removal of any plaque and tartar that has accumulated below your gumline, thus stopping the infection from growing worse. After that, root planing is performed to smooth out the tooth roots, which reduces the chances of future bacterial buildups.
If you have any reason to think you may have gingivitis, you shouldn’t take the problem lightly. The sooner you see a dental professional who can give you the care your smile needs, the sooner you can reclaim your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Natalya Ramsay went to the Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry. She has made a point of continuing her education so that she can keep up with the latest dental procedures and equipment. She offers scaling and root planing for patients who are suffering from gum disease. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramsay at Evans Street Dental in McMinnville, visit her website or call (503) 472-1402.