What is Gingivitis?
A mild form of gum disease, gingivitis is thought of as the first step along the road to the serious condition known as Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a serious threat to your dental health, if left untreated, cause total tooth loss, as well as a threat to your general health, should the infection spread from your gums to other parts of your body.
Because Periodontal disease is a mild infection it is rarely painful. Without pain, you are completely unaware of the fact that you have gingivitis, at least until the infection develops into something painful.
Gingivitis symptoms may include one or all of the following:
- Inflamed and swollen gums
- Softer, puffier gums
- Shrinking gums
- Sensitive gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing
- Darkened, reddened gums
- Halitosis, or persistent bad breath
In the case of gingivitis, prevention is definitely the most effective cure.
What is the Cause of Gingivitis?
Without question, the most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing, with regular visits to your dental professional for cleaning, are the cure before the problem develops. Should you have the symptoms listed above, a visit to your dentist is critical to preventing infection.
If left untreated, gingivitis may easily progress to a more serious case of gum disease, which can be very painful and which may lead to the loss of one, or many, teeth. To avoid the need for tooth replacement therapy due to a preventable infection, visit your dentist immediately if you suspect you may have gingivitis.
Dr. Kaushal Dhawan and staff at The Colorado Center for Implant and Prosthetic Dentistry are available to help you determine effective solutions to all of your dental problems. If you would like more information from your Littleton area Prosthodontist, please call to make an appointment today.