Gingivitis – Why It’s Presence Means More than You Think

Gingivitis is one of the most frequent problems to develop with adults’ smiles, but at first, it doesn’t always seem like a significant concern. Gingivitis is an infection that develops in your gums when excessive amounts of oral bacteria accumulate on your gums and work their way underneath it. This leads to a progression of conditions that result in more serious gum disease and damage to your periodontal tissues. Today, we explain why the presence of gingivitis can have more serious implications than you may realize, and why addressing it early with periodontal cleaning could be necessary.

What happens when gingivitis forms?

When gingivitis first develops, the infection in your gums isn’t highly noticeable. It can take diligent attention to realize that your gums are becoming more red and angry in their appearance, or that they seem to be swelling in certain areas. You may also miss the spots of blood that are mixed in with your saliva and toothpaste when you brush your teeth. However, even when these symptoms are easy to miss, the damage to your gums that they indicate is still a serious concern to your oral health. Every day, it will grow more severe, and by the time you seek treatment, you may have a substantial amount of damage to your periodontal tissues to deal with.

What happens when gingivitis progresses?

The beginning stages of gingivitis may be minor enough to miss at first, but as the condition progresses and the damage to your gum tissues grows more severe, the signs of gum disease become harder to ignore. For example, in more severe cases of gum disease, the bleeding in your gum tissues can be much more frequent and noticeable. The inflammation that causes your gums to swell can also cause them to pull away from your teeth enough to expose your teeth roots to oral bacteria, as well. Each of the conditions caused by gum disease contribute to the potentially devastating consequences that severe gum disease can have, including tooth loss and heightened risks to your systemic health.

Why dealing with it requires deeper cleaning

Routine dental cleanings are an important part of your ability to prevent gum disease from forming. In addition to excellent dental hygiene and the daily removal of dental plaque from your teeth and gums, regular dental cleanings are necessary for removing calcified plaque, or tartar. Yet, when gingivitis forms, periodontal cleaning can be necessary to remove the bacteria buildup that has settled underneath your gums. Depending on the extent of your gum disease, this could be all you need to get it under control, or it may be just the first stage of a more comprehensive periodontal treatment plan.

Manage your gingivitis with personalized treatment

The presence of gingivitis can have a significant impact on your oral health, and treating it effectively could require deeper cleaning than your teeth are used to. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, today at (641) 628-1121.