You may not have heard of the term gingivitis until you saw a commercial for toothpaste or gum disease, but it is a very real disease. If you leave it untreated, gingivitis can leave your teeth at risk of infection and tooth loss. Here's a primer on the mildest stage of gum disease and what you can do to combat it.
Why Should I Worry About Gum Disease?
Gum disease affects as many as 75% of all American adults and senior adults. It is caused by bacteria that are always in your mouth. While having a little bacteria is a good thing, having a lot of bacteria in your mouth is not. If you leave gum disease untreated, your gums will become diseased and infected. The best way to keep gum disease at bay is to follow a great oral health plan.
Stages of Gum Disease
There are three stages of gum disease. Dentists call the first stage of gum disease gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, the first sign you may see is bleeding gums. Your gums bleed because they are inflamed by plaque- a film that bacteria cause. You might also notice that your gums look swollen, red, or darker than usual.
Luckily, if you have gingivitis, it is easy to cure it. You will need a better brushing and flossing routine. Also, be sure that you are keeping up with your dental appointments. If you improve your brushing and flossing, the gingivitis will disappear. However, if your oral health doesn't improve, your gum disease will progress to the second or third stage, which is periodontitis. At these stages, gum disease can't be cured.
If you think you have gingivitis, you'll want to go and see a dentist. That way, the dentist will be sure to check for signs of gingivitis each time you visit.
Dentist Natick, MA - About Us - Elite Dental of Natick Above all else, we here at Elite Dental of Natick want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Call us today to schedule an appointment! Elite Dental of Natick, 232 Pond St. 2nd Floor, Natick, MA, (508) 319-9339, elitedentalofnatick.com, 11/28/2023, Associated Words: Dentist Natick MA,
You may not have heard of the term gingivitis until you saw a commercial for toothpaste or gum disease, but it is a very real disease. If you leave it untreated, gingivitis can leave your teeth at risk of infection and tooth loss. Here's a primer on the mildest stage of gum disease and what you can do to combat it.