Project Description

Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis (gum inflammation) usually precedes periodontal disease (gum disease), but not always. Plaque build-up in the early stages of gingivitis may cause gum inflammation and bleeding when brushing. At this point, gingivitis is still treatable. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, when the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets collect debris and can become infected, loosen the teeth, and eventually result in tooth loss. 

Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness, and inflammation of the part of the gum around the base of your teeth. If not taken care of, mild forms of gingivitis can lead to serious gum disease, called periodontitis, and even the loss of teeth.

Preventing gingivitis can be as easy as brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the office for regular check-ups to remove plaque. Plaque is an invisible, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth when starches and sugars from food interact with the bacteria that already exist in your mouth. If it isn’t removed right away, it can harden under your gum line and turn to tartar, which causes irritation and can only be removed with a professional cleaning. 

It’s important that you come see us for regular cleanings, because the longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gum around the base of your teeth and cause inflammation. If you see that your gums become swollen and bleed easily, make an appointment right away. If it’s not taken care of, plaque buildup and gingivitis can cause tooth decay, periodontitis, and even tooth loss.

While gum inflammation usually precedes periodontal disease, gum disease, it doesn’t always. Plaque buildup in the early stages of gingivitis may cause gum inflammation and bleeding when brushing. At this point, gingivitis is still treatable. 

If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, when the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets collect debris and can become infected, loosen the teeth, and eventually result in tooth loss. 

To treat gingivitis and periodontal disease, we recommend making an appointment for a cleaning that will remove all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. This deep clean is known as scaling and root planing: scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums. Root planing, on the other hand, involves cleaning the teeth of bacteria and smoothing the root surfaces. This prevents further buildup of tartar and bacteria and allows your gum line to heal properly. 

If you find that any crowns you have don’t fit properly, other dental restorations you have may end up irritating your gums. This irritation will make it harder to remove plaque during your daily hygiene routine and may escalate to a larger problem. If you think challenges or discomfort with your teeth in their current state may be contributing to your gingivitis, Dr. Angart will establish a treatment plan to fix those immediately.

 OUR HOURS

Monday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

 OUR LOCATION