Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease (gum disease), which causes the gums in your mouth to become inflamed, red, and prone to bleeding. Typically, it occurs as a natural response to the buildup of plaque and tartar bacteria in the mouth. Gingivitis can be reversed by improving your daily brushing and flossing habits and visiting your family dentist for cleanings.

At  C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry, a family dentist office in Lorain, OH, their gingivitis treatment consists of root planing and scaling to thoroughly clean between the gums and around the root of the teeth. They will also help you develop a gum disease management plan to improve your oral hygiene and prevent gingivitis from returning in the future.

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Gingivitis?

It is common for people with mild cases of gingivitis to have no noticeable signs or discomfort; however, common symptoms associated with gingivitis include bright red or purple gums, tender and swollen gums, bleeding after brushing or flossing, bad breath, and a receding gum line.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Although plaque and tartar irritation is the most common cause of gingivitis, they are not the only culprits. Other causes include changes in hormones (hitting puberty or starting menopause), diabetes, some cancers, HIV, medications that reduce saliva flow, smoking, and a family history of gingivitis.

How Is Gingivitis Treated?

When gingivitis is diagnosed early on, it can typically be easily reversed. In addition to improving your daily brushing, flossing, and overall oral hygiene, you should visit your family dentist for regular cleanings to remove any plaque and tartar buildup around your gums.

Initially, after the gingivitis is discovered, your dentist will perform a deep cleaning to remove extensive tartar buildup and clean out the bacteria around your gum root. They might also recommend you come in more frequently for regular cleanings for a period of time.

Don’t let gingivitis become a more serious form of gum disease, contact the family dentist office of C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry today. Schedule your appointment by calling (440) 960-5200. You can also visit them online to learn more about the dental services they provide.