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Do your gums bleed frequently? Are they irritated, or tender? If so, you may have gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease. Gingivitis reflects mild to moderate inflammation of your gums, and without proper dental care, it can progress into a more serious condition, called periodontitis. If gingivitis progresses, it can result in tooth loss and destruction of the jaw bone. Additionally, there is mounting evidence that untreated gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. By practicing good oral hygiene, however, you can prevent gingivitis and other more serious oral health problems. What are the Causes and Signs of Gingivitis? Typically resulting from poor dental care, gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is reversible with treatment. However, it can also develop into the more serious oral health problem - periodontitis. Plaque, a substance that develops from bacteria, mucus, and food particles, can stick to your teeth, causing tooth decay. Without regular dental care to remove plaque buildup, it will harden into tartar and sticks to the base of your teeth. Additionally, other causes of gingivitis include injury to your gums that can result from overly aggressive brushing and flossing, tobacco use, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and poorly controlled diabetes. Additional causes of gingivitis include: * Improperly aligned teeth
* Poorly fitting braces, crowns, and dentures
* Certain medications, such as birth control pills Cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions that weaken the immune system can also increase your risk of gingivitis. The tendency to develop gum disease can also run in families. Common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:
* Gums bleed easily
* Frequent development of mouth sores
* Swollen gums
* Tender gums
* Persistent bad breath
* Loos teeth
* Tooth sensitivity Diagnosis and Treatment Your dentist in Detroit can diagnose gingivitis based on thorough medical history and an exam of your mouth. As part of your dental exam, your dentist will measure the areas in your mouth between the teeth and gum tissue using a small, ruler-like tool called a probe. If your measurements reveal larger-than-normal gaps between your teeth and gum line, you probably have gingivitis. X-rays may also be used to evaluate any loss of bone tissue. After careful examination, if you have gingivitis, your dentist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth. Your dentist can also prescribe medications to help offset bacteria and inflammation. You will also need to practice proper oral health care at home in order to prevent gingivitis from progressing to periodontitis, a serious condition that can require oral surgery. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, avoid smoking, eat a well-balanced diet, and visit your Detroit, MI dentist regularly to avoid developing gingivitis and to further protect your dental health.
At Grand River Family Dentistry, Detroit dentist, is committed to providing treatment to the whole person with a special focus on how teeth and gums relate to total body health. Dr. Abraham Azzouz, dentist in Detroit, MI, is the founder and lead dentist of Grand River Family Dentistry and is joined by Drs. Mouhammed Razzak and Suheil Boutros for optimal dental health care.
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