A mild and common form of gum disease, gingivitis results in the redness, inflammation and irritation of your gums. Often because it is mild, it goes undetected in patients. It is, however, a serious condition as it can lead to eventual tooth loss if it remains undetected for an extended period of time. We encourage you to continue reading below to learn more about the signs of gingivitis and some treatment tips to ensure that you fight gum disease.
What are the Signs of Gingivitis?
Gingivitis isn’t too hard to detect – you should be able to look in the mirror and feel your gums to determine whether or not you are suffering from gum disease. You can come into our office where we will perform a thorough examination to make that determination, but at home, there are several signs to look for when detecting gingivitis. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have gingivitis:
- Persistent bad breath.
- Gums that feel tender, soft, puffy, or swollen.
- Gums that are receding.
- Gums that are a dusky red instead of a healthy pink.
- Gums that bleed when you floss or brush.
How Can I Treat Gingivitis?
With poor oral hygiene being the main cause of gingivitis, the first thing you should focus on for treatment is practicing good oral health habits. This includes brushing a minimum of twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and receiving regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. The dental checkup is crucial because we can demonstrate to you the proper techniques for brushing and flossing; improper technique could be why the gingivitis is occurring. A proper dental cleaning also allows for the plaque and tartar to be removed—taking out the main causes behind gingivitis.
Gingivitis Examinations and Questions
You should have a better idea of what gingivitis can do to a person now. If you have any questions regarding what you’ve read, please contact us as we’d be happy to help answer your questions and address your concerns. You can make an appointment with our Pittsburgh, PA, office to get an examination for gum disease, a teeth cleaning, or any other procedure that you need. Silberg Center for Dental Science is to help you and your family with keeping their mouths happy and healthy – ensuring that you’re well equipped against gingivitis.