Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an inflammation and infection of the gums. Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontitis commonly known as gum disease.
The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque: the soft, sticky, film of bacteria that forms on the exposed teeth and gums. If the plaque on your teeth and gums is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, bacteria and toxins begin to irritate the gum tissue eventually causing gingivitis.
Because gingivitis is still in the early stages of gum disease treatment is simpler and long term damage to the teeth and gums avoided. If gingivitis is left untreated it will eventually escalate into periodontitis and cause permanent damage to your teeth, gums and jaw.
Gingivitis
factsheet
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF GINGIVITIS
The most common sign of gingivitis are bleeding gums. You may also notice that your gums are red, swollen and tender to touch or you have sores in your mouth.
TREATMENT FOR GINGIVITIS
To arrest gingivitis and prevent it reaching the advanced forms of periodontitis book a professional consultation here at Paramount Dental Sydney. We will begin by examining your teeth and gums as well as cleaning your teeth using a process called scaling.
When we scale your teeth we may use different tools to loosen and remove deposits of plaque and tartar from your teeth. Depending on the amount of plaque and tartar buildup, follow up visits may be required for everything to be removed.
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PREVENTION
Gingivitis usually clears after the teeth and gums have been fully cleaned. To prevent gingivitis from returning, careful oral hygiene is necessary after your professional teeth clean. During your visit, our dental professionals will show you how to brush and floss properly.
In addition to brushing and flossing at home it is also important to continue having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. If you have crooked or crowded teeth more frequent cleaning may be required as well as getting misaligned teeth repaired. We will also advise if any of your dental or orthodontic appliances need replacement.
Apart from preventative dental measures, good oral hygiene is also improved by a having proper nutrition, avoiding cigarettes and all forms of smoking as well as scheduling regular checkups with our team here at Paramount Dental Sydney.
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