If you have chronic bad breath, sensitive teeth, and inflamed, red or swollen gums, you are likely experiencing the early stages of gingivitis, also known as gum disease. A common oral condition, gingivitis has a variety of causes, including the following:
- Poor oral hygiene, which results in dental plaque accumulation.
- Using tobacco.
- Medications such as those for seizures or blood pressure.
- Heredity.
- Hormonal changes, especially in women.
- Disease or illness.
Once this buildup of plaque around the base of the teeth is allowed to harden into tartar, this buildup irritates healthy gum tissue and allows pockets to develop. This results in even more irritation and inflammation of the gums. But if it is treated in the early stages, gingivitis is usually reversible.
Left untreated, however, this progressive disease will only get worse. This results in periodontitis, which is the advanced stage of gum disease and a serious infection of the gums. Not only do the gums deteriorate at this stage, but the jawbone does as well. This can result in tooth loss.
To turn around gingivitis, you will want to up your daily oral hygiene care. Brush at least twice daily, and floss once to stay on top of plaque buildup. Seeing your dentist for professional cleanings twice a year or more will bring your gums back up to snuff. Our team may also elect to perform a scaling and root planning treatment for the removal of plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), and bacteria.
Are you showing the signs of early gum disease? If so, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team Ferndale, Washington, for timely treatment. Your dentist, Dr. Patricia Conn, has been successfully helping patients overcome gum disease in a comfortable environment. At Patricia Conn, DDS, we want you to have the best care possible. Just call 360-384-5902 to schedule an appointment.