Gingivitis (early gum/periodontal disease) is often caused by prolonged exposure to plaque, a sticky, colorless film that forms on the teeth after sleeping or eating. Gum disease starts out in the gums, where bacteria left over from eating forms harmful infections. Early warning signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
- Tender gums
- Painful gums
- Red, swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
When left untreated, gum disease can cause the gums to separate from the teeth. This creates even more opportunities for tooth decay and infections to form and can result in abscesses, bone loss, periodontitis, and tooth loss, in extreme cases.
At our dental office, we can perform root planing and scaling to help fight against periodontitis and gingivitis. If necessary, we can also take addition measures to restore the health of your gums and teeth.
Pregnancy and Gingivitis
Women who are pregnant are more susceptible to certain forms of gingivitis because of changes in their hormones.