Gingivitis

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease, or gum disease, that primarily causes inflammation of the gums. The gums are the pink tissues that hold your teeth securely in place. Without healthy gums, your teeth don’t have the support they need, which can cause them to loosen.

In its early stages, the effects of gingivitis are treatable and reversible. As the disease advances, however, it can irreparably damage your tooth-supporting tissues.

What causes gingivitis?

All forms of periodontal disease, including gingivitis, are the direct result of plaque buildup along the gum line. Plaque is a clingy type of bacteria that forms a film on the teeth. Once it settles, plaque releases toxins that damage your protective tooth enamel. Not only does this damage your teeth, plaque can also collect along the gum line.

Gingivitis occurs when plaque causes inflammation and redness of the gums. As the infection spreads, it can travel beneath the gum line and lead to additional damage.

What happens without gingivitis treatment?

Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to an advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when plaque penetrates beneath the gum line, where it becomes trapped. 

Once trapped, plaque creates small pockets that continue releasing tissue-destroying toxins.

At that stage, periodontal disease is no longer reversible and requires more intense treatment to prevent serious complications, such as tooth loss.

What are the treatments for gingivitis?

Belgrade Family Dental is home to an expert dental hygiene team who can perform detailed teeth cleanings. These comprehensive cleanings remove plaque from your teeth and gum line to protect your smile.

If necessary, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. Also called scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning targets plaque beneath the gum line. The treatment usually requires a local anesthetic. With special scaling tools, your provider removes trapped plaque and disinfects the area. Next, they smooth your roots to allow your gums to reattach.

How do I know if I have gingivitis?

Your dentist at Belgrade Family Dental can diagnose gingivitis at your bi-annual teeth cleaning and dental exam. Gingivitis can also cause symptoms that may warrant a trip to the dentist. Some of the most common gingivitis symptoms include:

• Swollen gums
• Redness
• Tooth sensitivity
• Bleeding gums
• Tender gums

Unlike periodontitis, your teeth are still firmly intact if you have gingivitis. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome will be in most cases.

To learn more about gingivitis, call Belgrade Family Dental or schedule an appointment online now.