Do you suffer from swollen, soft, puffy gums? Are your gums more tender than usual or do they begin to bleed easily when brushed? Have you noticed that your gums seem to be receding or changing from a healthy pink to a dusky red color? All of these symptoms are signs that you may have gingivitis, but rest assured gingivitis is 100% reversible.
The fact that gingivitis is reversible should not deter you from aggressively treating gingivitis symptoms. Advanced gum disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Recent reports show that nearly 90 percent of adults in the U.S. have a mild form of gingivitis, which is the beginning stage of gum disease.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue and it is caused by the bacteria in plaque. The bacterium found on plaque is riddled with toxins that irritate your gums. Gingivitis can appear quickly if you forget to floss for a couple of days or if you are not thoroughly brushing your teeth. This early stage of gingivitis is easily treated with proper care. If ignored, gingivitis can lead to more advanced stages of gum disease or periodontitis.
Dr. Porcaro can help you take corrective steps to prevent plaque buildup and reverse the signs of gingivitis. When plaque is left unattended and isn’t removed from regular brushing it hardens and becomes tartar or calculus. Tartar can only be removed through professional teeth cleaning. Regular dental visits, attentive home care and good nutrition are effective ways to prevent gingivitis and gum disease. At Grateful Dental we will design a customized plan to help you combat gingivitis. Don’t allow a lazy home dental hygiene regimen create lasting problems for your gums, teeth and oral health.
