Signs, Symptoms, And Treatment of Gingivitis

Are you experiencing a bacterial infection and you’re not sure what it is? You may be showing symptoms associated with gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums normally caused by bacteria. The primary culprit of gingivitis is plaque, however smoking, changes in your hormones, irregular flossing and brushing, or a history of dental diseases in the family may all be contributing factors.


Signs And Symptoms Of Gingivitis


Many sufferers of gingivitis may not realize they have gingivitis for quite some time, as the symptoms are usually mild. Left unchecked gingivitis may turn into periodontitis, or gum disease, and lead to more oral issues in the future. Common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Bleeding gums, specifically after brushing
  • Receding gums
  • Pain associated with chewing
  • Persisting, irregular smelling breath
  • An irregular build-up of plaque


Treatment Of Gingivitis

After scheduling an appointment with your dentist, he will determine how far along the gingivitis is as well as dental insurance coverage (check with Easton Dentist for company plans). Your dentist will then deep clean your teeth by scaling (removing plaque and tartar from your gums), using lasers to remove plaque, or root planning (smoothing out rough areas and removing infected areas of your teeth). Catching gingivitis early is a surefire way to prevent gum disease.

After Treatment
After your dentist has administered the appropriate treatment, be sure to continue brushing and flossing regularly, as well as using a disinfectant mouthwash to prevent bacteria from building up in the future.

Regular brushing and flossing are essential to keeping great oral hygiene. If you have one or more of the symptoms described and feel you may be suffering from gingivitis, call Dr. Gilmer (your local Columbus Ohio dentist) at (614) 414-0111 to schedule an appointment.