How to Recognize Gingivitis

Gum disease is a progressive disease that destroys the soft tissue supporting your teeth. The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is characterized by a few classic symptoms, including gums that are sensitive while brushing and persistent bad breath.

Gingivitis can be effectively treated and eradicated by improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more aggressive forms of gum disease and can eventually cause serious dental and systemic health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. To prevent complications from developing like tooth and bone loss, it is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease.

What to Look For

The many signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

• Gums that bleed – Healthy gums will not bleed when brushing and flossing. 
• Inflammation – Infected gums are swollen and are much redder than the pale pink color of healthy gum tissue.
• Tenderness – Gingivitis may cause gums to be sensitive to touch and pressure. 
• Bad breath – This can be a sign of a few different conditions, but when decay and infection are present in the mouth it can make create an offensive odor. 
• Receding gum line – Infected gums are under attack from bacteria, which gradually causes the gum line to erode and shrink back, exposing more of tooth, creating an “elongated tooth” look.

Gingivitis and the harm it does to gums is reversible, but only if caught in time. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible.

Prevention

While this early stage of gum disease can be treated, it is also preventable. The most effective prevention is establishing good at-home hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing help remove any food or debris along the gum line, that would otherwise build up and destroy the tooth’s habitat, eventually leading to gum disease to develop. Your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate the best brushing techniques and give you advice on flossing such as how often you should floss and what type of dental floss is most effective for your teeth.


Professional checkups are also vital to prevent gum disease. Checkups and examinations offer dentists the chance to remove plaque and tartar, and to catch the disease before it spreads or requires more invasive and expensive treatment. And, it is also important to establish a lifestyle that supports gum health, such as eating a nutritious diet and remaining tobacco-free.

Contact the Philadelphia dental office of Gilbert Dental Center to make an appointment. We offer gum disease treatment and maintenance cleanings to restore oral health.