Gingivitis

15 Aug Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common affliction. Gingivitis, in its initial stages isn’t overly complicated to treat, but if left untreated, it can develop into a very severe affliction called Periodontal Disease that is not only difficult to treat but could lead to permanent damage to the gums and tissue, even tooth loss. In the most common sense, Gingivitis is a term to signify the onset of gum disease. It’s gum disease in its earlies stages. Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissue, caused by a buildup of plaque. 

There are several common symptoms for gum disease: redness, swollen gums, tender gums, gum tissue that bleeds, and bad breath. Yes, these are presentations of symptoms that could signal other types dental disease, but that’s one reason why it’s so important to pay a visit to your dentist at Silver Creek Family Dental if you ever notice these symptoms. And don’t delay, because when Gingivitis is ignored the symptoms could worsen to the much scarier and much more difficult to treat periodontal disease. 

There are certain risk factors Gingivitis. Poor dental care is the most obvious, but did you know that genetics can have as much cause for the development of the disease as anything else? It’s true. Other risk factors include: tobacco (Say no to tobacco in general, there’s nothing positive about tobacco use), crooked teeth that are difficult to clean, diabetes and other systemic disease, medications taken because of systemic disease, oral contraceptives, and even pregnancy (Yes, during pregnancy a woman can develop Gingivitis as a result of the pregnancy). 

You may notice on the list of possible risk factors something you either have or take, but that doesn’t mean that you are going to contact gum disease. But it does mean that you need to be careful, and vigilant. You should brush your teeth twice each and every day, and floss once. And don’t forget to pay twice-yearly visits to your dentist at Silver Creek Family Dental.