What are the warning signs of gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and, if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis.

Gum disease is a common issue and can lead to a number of serious health problems if it is not addressed early. The good news, however, its that it is possible to prevent gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) from advancing into a more severe stage of the condition. Read on to find out how to identify the warning signs of gingivitis, and what you can do to resolve the issue…

What are the symptoms of gingivitis?

Gingivitis typically occurs when plaque is left to build up on the teeth and gums. One of the most common symptoms of the issue is gum inflammation. When plaque is left to accumulate, it can spread into the gum tissue and cause the gums to become swollen, tender and red. If you have gingivitis, you may also notice that your gums bleed easily, such as when you brush or floss your teeth. Your teeth may also look longer than usual as a result of gum recession. Other possible signs of gingivitis include chronic bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. If the condition advances, it is possible for pockets to form between your teeth and gums —these spaces are susceptible to infection, as food particles can become easily trapped.

How can gingivitis be resolved?

If you have noticed any of the warning signs of gingivitis, there are a few things you can do to address the issue. Firstly, it is important that you practice proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth every day. You should also see your dentist for a check-up and clean. During a professional clean, plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth, which can go a long way in addressing the effects of gingivitis.

When you see your dentist for a check-up, it is a good idea to discuss your concerns and to raise any questions that you might have. Your dentist will let you know how you can improve your oral hygiene habits and techniques, and provide you with any information that you need regarding the condition of your teeth and gums.

What happens if gingivitis is not resolved?

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. Periodontitis often occurs when plaque gets below the gumline and triggers inflammation. When this happens, it is possible for the gums to recede, and gaps around the teeth to become even deeper. This can lead to infections, as well as damage to the teeth and underlying bone. In its advanced stage, periodontitis can lead to bone and tooth loss.

How can we help?

At Kitchener Street Dental, we love to help our patients maintain healthy smiles for life. For this reason, we offer a range of general dentistry services, including comprehensive examinations, scaling and cleaning, digital radiographs and fissure sealants. If you have noticed any of the possible warning signs of gingivitis, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can help you address the issue.

If it’s been a while since your last professional clean, we urge you to schedule an appointment. We make the procedure as comfortable as possible by applying a special numbing gel around the teeth and gums before we begin cleaning. We use an EMS scaler to remove any calculus from between and around your teeth, as well as under your gums. We also apply a special paste that helps to remove stains from your teeth, and provide fluoride applications to strengthen the teeth. At your cleaning appointment, we are happy to provide you with any oral hygiene instructions that you need, as well as recommendations for oral care products.

If you would like to arrange a consultation, please give us a call on 07 4638 5111 or get in touch with us here.