What Are the Early Signs of Gingivitis?
There are many unfortunate consequences of not taking care of your teeth and gums properly. One of the most common results of improper oral hygiene is gum disease, of which there are two phases. It begins with gingivitis, which can ultimately develop into a more serious condition called periodontitis.
Gum disease is usually a result of plaque (a sticky white film that contains bacteria) building up along your gum line. Over time, if your brushing is not frequent enough, the amount of plaque increases and causes inflammation of the gums.
Without treatment, this build-up can cause gingivitis, which mainly impacts the surface layers of your gums (as opposed to your teeth or bone). Although gingivitis is a less advanced form of gum disease than periodontitis, it is still a severe issue that should be dealt with appropriately.
In this post, we’ll share five of the early signs that you may have gingivitis. If you think you may have gingivitis, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. It’s critical to get a diagnosis and start on a treatment plan as early as you can, to avoid long-term damage.
Sensitive and tender gums
As the plaque grows along your gum line, you may feel your gums becoming more sensitive to touch. This is a common symptom of gum disease since the bacteria contained in the plaque is collecting in your mouth.
Swollen gums
Healthy gums should appear in pink in colour, but people with gingivitis often have red or even purplish-looking gums. The infected gums will also become puffy and swollen and is a standard indicator that gum disease is present, in combination with other symptoms.
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Unhealthy gums are more susceptible to frequent bleeding, especially when you are brushing or flossing. If you’re experiencing this kind of bleeding, you should discuss it with your dentist.
Bad breath
Bad breath (or halitosis) is one of the lesser-known symptoms of gingivitis. Still, it is essential to pay attention to, especially if combined with other common signs of gum disease. It is caused by food particles that get trapped in your teeth and get broken down by the bacteria inside your mouth.
Receding gums
Normal gums should hug your teeth tightly, without gaps. However, if you have gingivitis, you may begin to notice more prominent spaces in between your gum line and your teeth. If this is the case, visit your dental care professional as soon as possible for treatment, since gum recession can be challenging to reverse and may require surgery.
Even if you think you might have gingivitis, there is good news. With a proper treatment plan in place from your dentist, this form of gum disease can be reversed before it gets more serious. However, the first step to getting rid of gingivitis is to visit your dentist.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Parramatta, the team at Dental Avenue is ready to help. We are committed to patient comfort, and we’re happy to work with you to create a plan suited to your dental needs.
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