Avoiding gum disease at all costs is essential, as once someone is diagnosed with this dental-related disease, it means that they are in need of additional dental treatment to restore their good oral health. Even though gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, it can still cause harm to one’s overall good oral health.
Thinking that you may have gum disease? When someone is diagnosed with gingivitis, it means that there is a buildup of bacterial plaque taking place on and around their teeth. While this plaque buildup will irritate the gums, if not treated, gingivitis will eventually cause the gums to separate from the teeth. When this begins to happen, it begins to damage the soft tissues and bones supporting the teeth. This separation can lead to tooth loss, which is to be avoided, as lost teeth need to be replaced. According to the American Dental Association, gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a bacterial infection, and if left untreated, it can become a more serious infection known as periodontitis.
The list below includes information on what everyone needs to know about this stage of gum disease.
Even though most people who are diagnosed with gingivitis receive their diagnosis because they are not properly taking care of their oral health, there are additional risk factors that can cause someone to have gingivitis. These risk factors include but are not limited to a change in hormones, having a family history, smoking, taking certain medications, not consuming a healthy diet or being diagnosed with certain diseases, e.g., diabetes, cancer, etc.
It can be difficult for some people to know if they have gingivitis when it is in its beginning stages. This is because the beginnings of this disease tend to not cause any discomfort or pain. This is one of the main reasons that it is so important for every dental patient to make regular dental appointments. Common signs associated with gingivitis include soft gums, receding gums, tender gums, bleeding gums, swollen gums, gums that take on a red or purple hue and any level of bad breath.
Those who are diagnosed with gingivitis will need to undergo dental treatment as soon as possible in order to restore the health of their gums. The fact that this is the first stage of gum disease means that treatment will be easier, making it essential for those with gingivitis to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment requires patients to undergo a scaling and root planing process, also known as a deep cleaning. For those who do not seek dental treatment in a timely manner, they will also need to undergo a deep cleaning, as well as one or more other treatments, e.g., taking medications, undergoing dental surgery, etc.
Are you living with the first stage of gum disease? This stage of gum disease is the easiest to treat, making it essential for anyone who experiences any signs of gum disease to make a dental appointment as soon as possible for treatment. Gum disease is preventable and requires one to make and adhere to a daily oral hygiene routine. For those who need help making a routine, they can simply ask their dental professional for their experienced guidance.
Request an appointment here: https://bitterrootvalleydentalcare.com or call Bitterroot Valley Dental Care at (406) 625-0382 for an appointment in our Stevensville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Stevensville, MT.
Are you thinking about making an appointment with a laser dentist? This recent form of dentistry is becoming more common in both preventive and restorative care. It is helpful to learn more about what this professional can do and how visiting one can benefit your oral health and smile. In laser dentistry, the dentist can…
Thinking about choosing laser dentistry? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved laser dentistry as a treatment option for several dental conditions. Common conditions include treating gum disease, root canal infections and removing canker sores.Understanding what laser dentistry can treat is the first thing someone needs to do when considering this dental treatment option.…
Laser dentistry is a dental practice that can be used to treat both restorative and cosmetic conditions. One of the most common procedures that laser dentistry is capable of taking over is root canals. For the longest time, root canals have been done one way. However, modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of better…
During a dental visit, it would be a good idea to get an oral cancer screening to see if you are at risk of developing oral cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 49,700 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Getting screened for this disease will…
The general dentist often uses a dental filling as a restoration procedure for teeth damaged due to decay. Unless the tooth is severely damaged and needs a root canal and a crown, only the tooth filling will be enough. It is better to visit the dentist regularly for checkups, so decay not get too severe.The…
Many patients want to improve their smiles — this is where a cosmetic dentist can help. Read on to learn how cosmetic dentistry can improve the look of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the quality of the smile, while also addressing oral health and functional concerns as necessary.The primary focus of cosmetic dentistry is…