What is gingivitis and is it different from periodontitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of your gums, often characterized by bleeding gums. It differs from periodontitis, which is a disease on the bone that's around the tooth. The main difference is gingivitis is more superficial, periodontitis is a little bit more deep inside the gums.
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 do dentists treat gingivitis?
Treating gingivitis involves a combination of efforts between the dentist and the patient. The dentist will start by doing a good cleaning, getting rid of the bacteria causing the gingivitis. However, what the patient does at home is crucial. It's important to invest in a good electric toothbrush and brush around your gums. At first, they will bleed, but that's part of the process. As the gums get stronger and healthier, the bleeding will stop and the gums will become a nice pink color, indicating that the gingivitis is gone.
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. Dr. Lopez further encourages patients with questions or ready to take action to contact Olean Dental at (941) 269-1332.