signs of gingivitis Archives - Carolina Family Dentistry

You’re brushing your teeth as part of your normal morning routine and suddenly notice that there is blood in the bathroom sink when you spit! What’s going on? Did you just get carried away and brush too vigorously, or is there something more sinister going on?

Is it Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease (gum disease). According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) over 47% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. If caught and treated early, your dentist can reverse the effects of gingivitis and prevent it from advancing to periodontal disease.

Unfortunately, symptoms of gingivitis may not appear until it is in its advanced stages. Symptoms to watch for include:

Tender, red, swollen gums or pain in your mouth.
Bleeding when flossing or eating hard food.
Receding gums (pulling away from the tooth and making teeth appear longer).
Loose teeth.
Pus between teeth and gums.
Chronic bad breath.
Mouth sores.
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
A change in the way dentures or other appliances fit in your mouth.

Causes

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that infects the tissue around the tooth and causes inflammation in the tissue. When that bacteria stays too long, it becomes plaque which hardens to tartar (calculus). Calculus then begins to build up and spread below the gum line. This makes teeth harder to clean. At this point, only a dental professional can remove the tartar and stop the progression of periodontal disease.

Take Action Right Away

According to the American Dental Association, gingivitis can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. However, if you experience symptoms, it won’t just go away on its own without treatment. It’s important to see your dentist at the first sign of gingivitis and follow up with their recommendations for home care. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease and eventually result in tooth and bone loss.

Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning to get rid of the buildup of plaque and calculus that causes periodontal disease. This treatment may require anesthesia as well as over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen before and after the procedure. You will also be prescribed an antibiotic to help combat the infection. You may experience some mild discomfort for the first few days after treatment, but this should go away after a couple of days. If it doesn’t, or if sores or boils develop, call Carolina Family Dentistry right away.

You have probably heard of gingivitis before, but you might not know precisely what it is. Gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the gums around the base of your teeth due to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. It can lead to more severe health risks like Periodontal Disease down the road if untreated. So, how do you know if you have gingivitis and need treatment? Let’s go over the four signs that you might be suffering from gingivitis.

Bleeding Gums – If your gums bleed during and/or after brushing or flossing, you might have gingivitis. If you don’t floss daily and decide to start, your gums will probably bleed a bit. However, excessive bleeding is a reliable indicator and you should call your dentist right away if you have noticed this symptom, especially if you floss and brush daily.
Tender, Bright Red, or Purple Gums – The bacterial infection can cause the gums to become irritated, causing tenderness and sometimes a bit of pain. Additionally, if your gums are bright red or purple, that’s not a good sign. Take a look at the coloration of your gums in proper lighting to determine if this symptom is present. Extreme tenderness or unusual coloration of the gums are clear signs of gingivitis.
Halitosis – Halitosis, better known as bad breath, can indicate that you have gingivitis. The bacterial infection causes a buildup of bacteria in your mouth, creating a sulphuric odor. You should notice a difference between typical morning breath and the bad breath that occurs when you have gingivitis. Halitosis can happen for several reasons, so you should pay close attention to other symptoms.
Receding or Soft Gums – Receding gums is another sign of gingivitis. The massive plaque buildup damages the gums, causing you to lose the healthy gum tissue. More of your teeth will show, and you’ll notice your gums have “shrunk.” Additionally, soft gums indicate gingivitis. The gums become soft and weakened due to the bacterial infection.

If you have experienced one or a combination of these symptoms, call our office today to schedule an appointment. Remember, taking care of problems now can save you from a more advanced gum disease that can cause significant health risks. To treat gingivitis cases, we offer a deep cleaning procedure and can discuss other options to maintain healthy gums.