Gingivitis & Gum Disease

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a common oral health problem that is a type of periodontal disease (gum disease). It is most commonly associated with irritation, swelling, and redness in the gum area, especially where your gums meet your teeth. This mild form of gum disease can quickly escalate to more serious oral issues, including tooth decay, periodontitis, and loss of teeth. Because of these risks, gingivitis is taken very seriously and should be evaluated by your dentist right away.

What are the early signs of gingivitis?

This is an important question to answer, since catching gingivitis early on can prevent further damage. During your regular teeth cleaning dental appointments, your dentist will look for early signs of gingivitis. However, it’s important that you know the signs of gingivitis too. Between dental visits, evaluate your teeth and gum health, and contact your dentist if you show any of these signs of gingivitis:

• Gum inflammation
• Gum sensitivity (bleeding while flossing)
• Bad breath
• Dark red gums
• Pain or tenderness in gums
• Bleeding when brushing teeth

Is gingivitis serious?

While gingivitis is considered a mild form of gum disease, it can also lead to significant oral health issues if it is left untreated. Some of the problems that could stem from untreated gingivitis include:

• Periodontitis (underlying tissue and bone disease)
• Tooth loss
• Bad breath
• Receding gums

In addition, some studies have suggested that gum disease could be linked with more serious health complications, such as:

• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Respiratory diseases
• Trench mouth (necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG)
• Stroke
• Coronary heart disease

Will gingivitis go away on its own?

Gingivitis that has progressed will usually require treatment from a certified dentist who can provide treatment options and ensure the disease is completely resolved. While gingivitis requires attention from your dental professional, there are some good dental habits that could help you prevent gingivitis from occurring to begin with. These include:

1. Avoiding smoking tobacco
2. Avoiding chewing tobacco
3. Using good oral hygiene
4. Visiting your dentist regularly
5. Flossing

Can you get rid of gingivitis by brushing?

To help fight gum disease, the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes twice every day. You should also floss once daily to help keep your gums clean and free of plaque. In addition, it’s important to have regular professional dental cleanings at your dentist’s office. These cleanings can be scheduled with your dentist and are usually done twice a year (every six months). Staff at your dental office will help you schedule these appointments on a regular six-month cycle.

How do I know if my gingivitis is getting better?

You will be able to tell if your gingivitis is going away if you see that symptoms are improving. You may notice:

• Your gums return to a lighter pink color instead of a dark red
• Your gums no longer bleed while brushing
• Your gums are no longer inflamed or swollen
• You do not experience gum bleeding during flossing
• Your gums are not irritated or in pain

You may have trouble figuring out whether your gingivitis is completely resolved without the help of an experienced dentist. Make sure you return to your dentist at your regularly-scheduled appointment times to know for sure if your gum disease is resolved.

Why do I keep getting gingivitis?

Gum disease that returns over and over again may be a sign of poor dental hygiene or genetic predisposition to gum disease. If you notice recurring gingivitis, it’s important to talk to your dentist about how to improve your oral hygiene at home as well as to learn about products or rinses that may help you fight gingivitis and keep your mouth healthy long-term.

How do you treat gingivitis?

The first step in treating gingivitis is to speak with your dentist about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your dentist will perform a full evaluation to determine the severity of your gum disease and to make a treatment recommendation. Some of the gum disease treatment options that may be right for you include:

• Dental restoration when appropriate
• Professional cleanings by a dentist
• Regular dentist visits
• Good home oral care
• Brushing for two minutes twice daily
• Flossing daily
• Using mouth rinse
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Replacing your toothbrush every few months