It’s important for patients to be aware of the symptoms of early stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, so that they can seek treatment promptly. If you delay gum treatment for gingivitis, your oral health may suffer significant consequences.
Signs And Symptoms Of Gingivitis
Gingivitis is caused by milder inflammation, so its symptoms are less severe. They include redness or swelling of the gum tissue, along with mild bleeding, which may only occur while brushing your teeth. Patients should monitor their gum tissue regularly for these symptoms and alert the dentist when they occur. The dentist can then provide the appropriate gum treatment. Cases of gingivitis typically respond to a non-invasive thorough professional cleaning.
Additionally, you should be sure to see your dentist every six months so that your gums can be examined by a professional. The professional cleanings that you get at these appointments will lower your risk of gingivitis because they reduce the presence of the disease-causing oral bacteria found in plaque and tartar.
Why Gingivitis Treatment Is Important
Gum disease is a progressive condition. That is, it is diagnosed in a series of stages, each of which becomes more severe than the previous one. If you ignore the signs of gingivitis, you will eventually develop periodontitis, in which pockets form between the gums and the teeth and the gum tissue begins to recede. Advanced periodontitis can cause tooth loss and bone loss. To prevent these consequences, you should see your dentist for gum treatment as soon as you notice the first symptoms of gingivitis.
Patients should also consider that effective treatment becomes more invasive when the condition is more advanced. While gingivitis responds to a thorough cleaning, periodontitis may require a surgical procedure, such as gum grafting. If tooth loss results from advanced periodontitis, the patient will need to consider tooth replacement options like dental implants.
Do you know what symptoms to look for that indicate gingivitis? Be sure that you are aware of the signs of this condition because it can lead to more severe symptoms if it goes untreated. Call DeSanti & Linden Dentistry to ask any questions you may have or schedule an appointment for an exam and cleaning to keep your teeth and gums in good shape.