Understanding Gingivitis
I'm Dr. Estevez here at Olean Dental Studio. We get a lot of questions about gingivitis. Today I'm going to be answering some of the most common questions on this condition.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of dental plaque. It's very common for patients to notice this when they are brushing or flossing at home. They often see inflamed gums, along with a lot of redness and sometimes even bleeding during brushing and flossing.
What causes gingivitis?
One of the most common causes is the accumulation of dental plaque and improper hygiene techniques at home. Systemic factors can also be involved, and tobacco can significantly contribute to gingivitis.
Is gingivitis serious?
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. If it is not treated, it can progress to a more severe stage of gum disease, which can lead to the destruction of the bone and tissues around the teeth.
How is gingivitis treated?
The treatment of gingivitis depends on its severity. There are usually many factors involved, but mild to moderate gingivitis can be treated and resolved in 7 to 14 days. Patients with gingivitis can have professional cleanings at the office every 6 months. We are very happy to see them and educate them on the proper techniques to brush and floss at home so they can effectively maintain oral health.
How dangerous is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the very early stages of there's some problems around your teeth. It is absolutely treatable. What's important about gingivitis is stopping it when it's just gingivitis and not let it progress towards periodontitis. If you notice that you're bleeding when you're brushing, eating, or sometimes even when you're talking, that's an indication of an infection in your mouth that needs to be taken care of.
Can you have gingivitis and periodontitis at the same time?
Yes, you can have gingivitis and periodontitis at the same time. Even if you have periodontitis, you can still have gingivitis, which is characterized by bleeding gums. So in a lot of cases, you have the periodontitis, infection on the bone around the tooth, and at the same time you have bleeding gums. It's important to take care of both conditions and have a professional evaluating your gums and doing some type of cleaning to rid of the bacteria that is causing the issue.
How long does it take to cure gingivitis?
The length of time to cure gingivitis varies. It largely depends on the patient's oral hygiene habits, such as how often they brush, how well they brush, and how long they spend brushing. Proper brushing should be done around every single tooth, both on the outside, the inside, and the chewing surface, for at least two minutes, three to four times a day. The toothbrush should be aimed at the gums, not just the tip of the teeth.
When should I schedule an appointment if I suspect I have gingivitis?
You should schedule an appointment right away if you suspect you have gingivitis. It's important to address the issue as soon as you notice symptoms such as bleeding gums or bad smell coming from your mouth. Delaying treatment could lead to worsening of the condition.
If you have additional questions or are ready to take action, feel free to give us a call at (941) 282-5723, or schedule below! Our staff would love to talk with you.