How to Identify and Fix Gingivitis

Toothpaste commercials from the 70s depicted the gum disease, gingivitis, as an army of evil-looking beings marching off to damage your teeth. While it was only a cartoon, this accurately represents what gingivitis is and what it does. Gingivitis can form in several ways, and you want to have the problem addressed the moment you sense something is wrong.

Gingivitis Explained

Gingivitis is actually a serious bacterial infection that causes significant damage to the gums. If it is not treated in time, it can become an even more invasive infection known as periodontitis. In its later stages, periodontitis can require surgery to correct, leading to possible bone deterioration in the jaw.

Causes of Gingivitis

Your teeth and gums actually meet at a point well below the visible gum line in your mouth. At that visible gum line are openings called sulcus. Regular brushing and maintenance prevents food and plaque from building up in the sulcus. But if you neglect your teeth, then build up will start to form between your teeth and gums that will decay and create bacteria. Over time, gingivitis will cause your gums to separate from your teeth and create more openings for bacteria.

Gingivitis can also be cause by certain diseases, such as cancer or diabetes. If you have these conditions, you should see your dentist more frequently to make sure you are not experiencing the beginning stages of gingivitis. In some cases, gingivitis can be hereditary, which means that your dentist will have to regularly screen for it at every cleaning and check-up.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Several symptoms of gingivitis follow:

• Your gums bleed when you brush
• Your gums are sensitive to the touch
• Your teeth wiggle when you touch them
• Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold sensations
• Your top and bottom teeth no longer feel like they are coming together when you close your mouth and
• Difficulty chewing or moving your jaw.

Treating Gingivitis

Riverside Dental Care has the programs you need to treat gingivitis. Your treatment will be based on the severity of your condition. For relatively mild cases of gingivitis, a cleaning and treatment with antibiotics can cure the problem. More advanced cases might require more invasive medication, such as injections while advanced periodontitis might require surgery.

How We Can Help

Riverside Dental Care is offering special programs for September and October that can help prevent gingivitis and help your teeth shine their brightest. In September, every patient receives a free fluoride treatment with every cleaning. This will help enhance the effects of the cleaning and significantly reduce the possibility of plaque and bacteria build-up.

In October, we are offering an in-office bleaching for only $199.00, which normally costs $350.00.Your teeth will sparkle for the holiday pictures that will become your family holiday cards. Bleaching is also an excellent way to kill any bacteria that might linger on your teeth or near your gums.

We encourage you to call us today to set up an appointment to have your teeth cleaned and checked. Gingivitis can start slowly but can ruin your teeth if left untreated. Let us help you keep your gums clean while giving you the radiant smile you have always wanted.