Sciota, Pennsylvania
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can pose a serious threat to your oral health and even your overall wellness. If caught early on, any damage done to your mouth, teeth or gums from gingivitis can be reversed. Fortunately, gingivitis is preventable through good oral hygiene and proper care from your dental provider. Continue reading to learn about the signs of gingivitis.
Swollen gums
Gingivitis is caused by harmful bacteria that inflame the gums. This can cause soreness, tenderness or heightened sensitivity. While this can make your regular dental care routine of brushing uncomfortable, don’t skip oral hygiene completely as this will worsen the underlying issue. Instead, brush teeth more gently to reduce pain and bleeding.
Discoloration
Healthy gums should be light pink in color. However, if your gums are dark red, this is quite noticeable, especially if you’re undergoing a dental checkup. Sometimes patients don’t notice this discoloration, so be sure to attend your regular checkups at Quiet Valley Dental and ask questions regarding gingivitis prevention during your next dental appointment.
Bad breath
We all have bad-smelling breath from time to time–especially if you’ve recently had onions or garlic. However, if you are experiencing consistent bad breath that can’t be treated by gum, mints, or mouthwash, this halitosis can be a possible sign of gingivitis. Regular brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash can help with this issue, but if no improvements are made after establishing a proper oral hygiene routine, contact your dentist in Scotia for a checkup and thorough cleaning to remove bacteria buildup.
Receding gums
Healthy gums should fit seamlessly against your teeth, and there should be no gaps or awkward shaping between teeth and gums. However, gingivitis can cause gums to recede along the gum line, which risks tooth instability. If left untreated, receding gums can expose the roots of your teeth to damage or cavities, also eventually leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss. Receding gums are also not a very attractive look, so if you want to ensure the health and appearance of your smile, be sure to discuss any concerns regarding your gum line with your provider at Quiet Valley Dental.
Bleeding gums
If you have consistent bleeding from your gums while brushing and flossing, this can be very scary and you have plenty of reasons to be concerned. Although everyone’s gums may bleed occasionally, daily bleeding is a very strong sign of gingivitis and it must be taken seriously and treated immediately.
Gum Disease Treatment in Scotia, Pennsylvania
If left untreated, gingivitis will lead to periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. By then, the damage to your mouth is irreversible and treatment becomes more intensive and expensive. In short, when it comes to gum disease, it’s important to act fast. That’s why Quiet Valley Dental offers a comprehensive program of periodontal treatment. Now that you are aware of the signs of gingivitis, contact Quiet Valley Dental today at (570) 865-7850 or schedule an appointment online.
