Gingivitis is one of the most common oral diseases in America. Learn to recognize it and treat it below!
Gingivitis is one of the most common diseases throughout America, and it has a huge impact on your oral health. Here are some of the things that you need to know about gingivitis and how you can prevent and treat it.
Gingivitis 101
Gingivitis is a reversible disease that occurs in the mouth. Periodontal disease actually begins as untreated gingivitis that worsens over time. It’s important to treat gingivitis so that periodontal disease doesn’t develop. Periodontal disease carries with it a whole host of other issues that include heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and diabetes.
Who Can Get It?
Just about anyone with a mouth is at risk of developing gingivitis. By maintaining optimal oral health, brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings you can avoid getting it yourself. If you do have early signs of this disease, keep in mind that treatment and reversal are completely possible.
What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Healthy gums are:
- Pale
- Firm and flat
- Stippled in texture
- Painless
- Free from bleeding whenever brushing or flossing normally
Unhealthy gums, or gums that could have gingivitis, typically are:
- Red or bluish red in color
- Bleeding whenever brushing or flossing
- Soft and spongy
- Inflamed or swollen
- Smelly
- Receding
- Painful
What Can You Do?
If you have any of the signs of gingivitis, set up a dentist appointment right away. This appointment can identify a variety of problems including cavities, gingivitis, and more. The sooner that periodontal disease is identified and treated, the more likely that you will make a full recovery. It’s important to take gingivitis seriously so that it doesn’t lead to a more serious form of periodontal disease, which is a much bigger issue. A little effort in the short term can greatly reduce your dental problems in the future.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Surgery Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.