What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and an early symptom of the first stages of gum disease. According to the CDC, more than 47% of American adults have some stage of gum disease. With good oral hygiene, gingivitis is reversible. When left untreated, it can progress to gum disease, otherwise known as periodontitis.
If your gums are tender, swollen, or hurt when you brush your teeth, you may have gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease appears as an inflammation of the gumline. It is directly caused by plaque build-up on your teeth after improper brushing and when it is not removed daily, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress into periodontal disease, which can lead to permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
Gingivitis can be painless, so it’s important to note any of the following symptoms and schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Gingivitis treatment in North Las Vegas, NV
If you have gingivitis, the next step is to adopt a daily routine of good oral care and stop tobacco use. When you come to our practice for gingivitis treatment, we will perform a professional cleaning that includes removing all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacterial products. This process is known as scaling and root planing, which removes tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and below your gums.
If needed, we can perform dental restoration that addresses misaligned teeth, poorly fitting crowns, or other conditions that may make it difficult to clean your teeth. Our practice firmly believes in educating our patients, which is why we take the time to explain proper oral care, schedule future checkups, and help you achieve excellent results.
When to see a dentist for gingivitis
If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. These symptoms could indicate the presence of gingivitis or other oral health concerns:
- Inflammation or swollen gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Soft and spongy gums
- Pus or cysts in your mouth
- Ongoing bad breath
- Receding gums
- Occasionally painful gums
The chance of reversing gingivitis and preventing its progression is greater when you seek dental treatment early. Contact our office in North Las Vegas, NV, for a complete dental evaluation by highly skilled specialists you can trust.