Bidding Farewell to Gingivitis & Embracing Robust Periodontal Health

If you are dealing with symptoms like bad breath or swollen, red, or bleeding gums, you may be suffering from gum disease. At the office of All About You Dental Group, we offer comprehensive services designed to help our patients safeguard and maintain optimal periodontal health.

Dental plaque, a sticky substance that constantly forms in your mouth, harbors the hazardous bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. When plaque is left to accumulate between your teeth and gums, it can infect and inflame the periodontal tissues supporting your teeth.

The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis.

Gingivitis signifies the beginning phase of gum disease. Although it doesn't cause extreme discomfort and often goes unnoticed, there are specific signs to be aware of that indicate the start of a problem. If you notice your gums bleed when you brush, look red and inflamed, or feel tender, you likely have gingivitis.

Causes of Gingivitis Include:

• Inadequate Oral Hygiene: Insufficient brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up on teeth and gums.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco use weakens the immune system, making it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Medical Conditions: Certain diseases like diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, can make gums more susceptible to gingivitis.
• Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can compromise the immune system and contribute to gum disease.

The Good News: Gingivitis Can Be Reversed!

With proper care, you can eliminate gingivitis and restore your periodontal health. By treating gingivitis early in its onset, you can prevent the tissue damage associated with more advanced gum disease. Even though inflammation and an active disease process are present with gingivitis, the underlying structure of the periodontal tissues supporting the teeth remains intact.

At this stage, some simple steps can successfully reverse gingivitis and restore your periodontal health. Our office may recommend a series of deeper dental cleanings involving scaling and root planing, an improved oral hygiene regimen at home, and other non-surgical therapeutic measures to maintain and improve your periodontal health.

What Happens When Periodontal Disease Goes Untreated?

On the flip side, if left untreated, gingivitis will unfortunately progress to more advanced stages of periodontal disease. As this happens, tissue damage occurs, leading to the formation of gingival pockets, gum recession, diminishing alveolar bone, and eventually, the loosening and loss of teeth. But with periodontal disease, it's not just about losing teeth and risking oral infections. Researchers are increasingly discovering links between periodontal disease and other medical conditions.

For all these reasons, it's crucial to seek timely and effective care. By making time for a healthy diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and getting regular dental check-ups, you can maintain your periodontal health, preserve your attractive smile, and protect your overall well-being.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about your oral health. Our dedicated staff at the office of All About You Dental Group is always here to help!