Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is the start of gum disease. Research shows that up to fifty percent of Americans have gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by red and swollen gum tissue that bleeds easily. Also, the gum tissue may be tender to the touch. If treated early, gingivitis can be easily treated and the gum tissue will return to a health state. This is why it is important to have regular teeth cleanings.
Gingivitis – The Beginning of Gum Disease
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is the simplest to treat. Symptoms include swollen, red, or tender gums that bleed when brushed, persistent bad breath or an unpleasant odor in the mouth, and receding gums.
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by insufficient removal of debris by brushing and flossing. This plaque accumulation contains colonies of bacteria that inflame your gum tissue, resulting in the formation of pockets between your teeth and gums where additional plaque and bacteria will accumulate. If left untreated, these bacteria will lead to the more severe condition of periodontitis.
To prevent or treat gingivitis, it is essential to cleanse your teeth twice daily with a soft, small-headed toothbrush. Pay close attention to the gum line, where the gum meets the tooth, in order to maintain healthy gum tissue and supporting structures. Plaque must also be removed from between the teeth by flossing at least once per day.
Moreover, regular professional cleanings with our Pasadena, Dental Office are necessary to prevent gingivitis. At least twice a year, you should visit Dr. Nugent’s hygienists so that we can remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth and prevent the onset of gingivitis.
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease):
When gingivitis is not treated a condition called periodontal disease will occur. Periodontal disease will destroy gum tissue along with the ligaments and bone tissue around teeth. Periodontal is the number one reason that people lose all their teeth. Periodontal disease causes patients to lose teeth because the tooth’s foundation (gum tissue and bone) is destroyed and noting is left to hold the tooth in place. Unfortunately, this devastating disease can cause widespread damage with only nominal pain or discomfort. The bacteria infection in your mouth causes chronic term inflammation and elevated immune system activation. The bacteria in the gum tissue (and their toxins) can spread throughout the body and cause organ problems. Furthermore, research shows gum disease is associated with diabetes, stroke, heart disease and pre-term pregnancies.
To fight this dental infection your hygienist will perform a non surgical procedure called scaling and root planning. This is the process of mechanically removing the infection, plaque, and calculus (tartar) from the teeth.
Regular dental cleanings and good home care are vital to a mouth. Regular cleaning They provide healthy bone and gums which give your teeth a strong foundation.
Get your gum tissue in order with quality dental care. Call our office at 713-941-8261 or visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504. Get the best in dental care for you and your family.