Do You Have Gingivitis?

Have you noticed a little blood in your sink after you brush your teeth? This blood can be one of the first signs that you have gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). During this first stage of gum disease, only your gums around the base of your teeth are infected. Once the infection moves into your gum line and the bones, you have a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
Furthermore, gingivitis and periodontitis can raise your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, pneumonia, and cancer. Therefore, early detection and treatment of gingivitis is important.

What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?

Most Hendricks County residents have healthy gums that are pale pink and firm to the touch. Also, healthy gums fit tightly against the teeth.
If you develop gingivitis, you may notice some of these common warning signs:

• Red, swollen gums. Typically, inflammation starts along the gum line, causing the gums to look red and puffy.
• Bad breath. Foul breath that doesn’t go away could be caused by gingivitis. Bacteria in your mouth feed on plaque and release toxins. These toxins irritate your gums and cause a bad smell.
• Teeth look longer. Gingivitis causes your gums to recede or pull away from your teeth. Therefore, your teeth appear to be longer.
• A pocket between the tooth and gum. As your gum pulls away from your tooth, a pocket can form. Food debris can collect in this pocket, causing bacteria to grow. Your gums will become irritated. If this pocket is left untreated, you could develop an infection.
• Sensitive teeth. As the gums pull away from your teeth, the dentin (or hard tissue underneath the enamel) can become exposed. When cold water or air comes in contact with the dentin, you may experience tooth pain or sensitivity.
• Loose or shifting teeth. As gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, the bones that hold your teeth in place may come loose or move.

If you notice any symptoms of gingivitis, schedule a dental evaluation with Dr. Jon Erickson at Danville Family Dentistry, located in Hendricks County, for a proper diagnosis. Dr. Erickson can assess your symptoms and talk with you about possible causes and treatment options.

Don’t Let Gingivitis Go If You Don’t Have Dental Insurance

If you don’t have dental insurance, you shouldn’t put off seeing a dentist. Over time, without treatment, gingivitis will worsen and turn into periodontitis. Eventually, you may lose one – or more – teeth. However, with proper treatment and prevention, you can reverse the signs of gingivitis and improve your overall dental health.
Danville Family Dentistry wants to make sure you get the dental care you need. That’s why we offer our Smile Savings Plan. With this yearly patient-courtesy program, for a low annual fee, you can receive:

• 2 professional oral examinations. Regular dental visits help Dr. Erickson monitor and treat your gingivitis to keep it from progressing to periodontitis.
• 2 dental cleanings. Professional cleanings help remove tartar buildup and reduce gum inflammation.
• Routinely schedule X-rays. X-rays help Dr. Erickson detect bone loss due to gum disease.

Additionally, with our Smile Savings Plan, you’ll receive a 15% discount on other dental services provided by our office.
To learn more about our Smile Savings Plan and to sign up, call our Hendricks County office at 317-745-4400. With our program, you can receive the care you need to treat your gingivitis and keep your gums healthy.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.