What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a type of periodontal disease that exclusively affects the gums. This is a milder and often reversible condition, however, necessitates intervention from gingivitis treatment. Nevertheless, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a severe and destructive disease without professional gingivitis treatment from a dental professional.

Many patients that suffer from gingivitis don’t experience discomfort during their earliest phases. Unfortunately, as bacteria and plaque continue building, this may result in the gums becoming inflamed. This additionally leads patients to experience blood while brushing teeth.

Our dentist in Miami Dr. Andres de Cardenas wants to share some further information on the causes of gingivitis, in addition to common gingivitis treatment options.

Gingivitis Causes

The most common factor that contributes to gingivitis is plaque buildup as a result of poor oral hygiene. Some additional causes may include:

• Aging
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Hormone fluctuations
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Substance abuse
• Genetics
• Medication administration

If you or a loved one suffer from gum disease, this may indicate an increased risk of developing gingivitis. In these events, our dentist in Miami typically recommends more frequent cleanings, checkups, and potentially gingivitis treatment.

Without proper dental intervention, gingivitis remains likely to progress into periodontitis. This is when the bone and inside layers of the gums pull away from the teeth, enabling small pockets to form. These small pockets serve as dangerous areas inside the mouth that allow bacteria to collect. With bacteria comes infection.

As periodontitis progresses, the pockets will deepen and result in further bone loss and gum tissue damage. Eventually, the patient’s mouth will reach a point where teeth get loose, even resulting in lost teeth as time goes on.

Gingivitis Treatment

In the most practical situations, our dentist in Miami can reverse gingivitis. Gingivitis treatment involves properly controlling plaque, including professional teeth cleanings at least twice per year. Dr. de Cardenas will additionally require patients to brush their teeth daily, eliminating plaque for the surface of the teeth.

Many times gingivitis treatment will also involve making proper lifestyle and overall health adaptations. These can often mitigate the potential risks of gingivitis, possibly even reducing its severity and progression. Common lifestyle adaptations include quitting smoking, decreasing stress, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding grinding or clenching.

Gingivitis Symptoms

We mentioned before that during mild gingivitis cases, patients may not experience any symptoms at all. However, this is precisely why frequent visits with a dental professional remain so important. Some of the most common symptoms that gingivitis patients experience include:

• Dark pink, magenta, or red, and swollen gums
• Tender gums that may remain painful to touch
• Halitosis
• Bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Soft gums

Gingivitis Treatment with our Dentist in Miami Dr. Andres de Cardenas

If you recognize symptoms of gingivitis, it is crucial to contact our dentist in Miami about a potential gingivitis treatment as soon as possible. We will ask you about some risk factors for gingivitis while we examine your teeth and mouth for signs of red and swollen gums. Dr. de Cardenas may also measure the pockets around your teeth.

If Dr. Andres de Cardenas determines that these pockets reflect a larger size than average, this may additionally demonstrate that your gingivitis condition is more advanced. Finally, we may take X-rays to obtain pictures of the bone structures within the jawline.

To learn more about gingivitis treatment from our dentist in Miami Dr. de Cardenas, contact our dedicated and caring dental practice today!