5 Signs of Gingivitis

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Gingivitis—also called gum inflammation or periodontal disease—is a chronic inflammatory disease triggered by bacterial growth in the mouth. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to complications like gum damage and tooth and bone loss. Incredibly, this common oral health condition affects nearly half of all American adults!

At Woodlane Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, it’s our mission to educate our patients about this common issue, especially since many people don’t even realize they have it or are at risk for it. Keep reading to learn about the top five warning signs and symptoms to look out for.

5 Warning Signs of Gingivitis

Many of the signs and symptoms of gingivitis can be caused by other oral health conditions, too. In the early stages of gingivitis, you may not even have any noticeable signs and symptoms—even though gum and tooth damage can still be happening. So, the only way to know for sure what’s causing your symptoms is to consult with a dentist.

Here are five common gingivitis signs to be aware of:

  1. Receding gums (teeth may start to appear longer)
  2. Frequent bad breath (halitosis)
  3. Tender and soft gums
  4. Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
  5. Gums that are bright red or purple

How Our Woodbury Dentist Team Diagnoses and Treats Gingivitis

Our Woodbury dentist team has the technology and techniques needed to detect gingivitis in its earliest stages—even when you don’t have any noticeable symptoms. We may use dental exam tools and tests like X-rays to help us diagnose your condition. Treatment will then depend on things like the severity of your gum disease and your overall health needs, but may include:

  • Professional cleaning or “scaling” (scraping away bacteria-loaded plaque and tartar from the teeth)
  • Lifestyle changes to promote better oral health (e.g., adoption of a healthier diet, smoking cessation)
  • In advanced cases, procedures to remove infected or damaged teeth and bone may be required

Of course, as with most things in health and wellness, prevention is easier and less costly than treatment! That’s why regular dental visits and professional cleanings are so crucial, as well as excellent oral hygiene habits in-between visits.

If you’re concerned about gingivitis, contact our Woodbury dentist team today at (651) 731-1560 to schedule a dental examination and cleaning.

Tips for Preventing Gum Disease

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Gum disease, which is also referred to as periodontal disease, is the medical term used for a bacterial infection that causes the gingival tissue (gums) surrounding the teeth to swell. If left untreated, gum disease can quickly become more severe and start to deteriorate the gingival tissue and bone structure, eventually causing the teeth to fall out. Fortunately, gum disease is preventable. Use the tips below to ensure your gums remain healthy.

5 Tips to Help Prevent Gum Disease

1. Brush Daily

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth twice a day. Be sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Each brushing session should last for two minutes.

2. Remember to Floss

Flossing at least once a day is vital to maintaining healthy gums because dental floss can reach places between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot.

3. Biannual Cleanings and Checkups are Vital

Visiting the dentist regularly for a checkup and to have your teeth professionally cleaned is essential to maintaining healthy gums. Dental hygienists use special tools to remove the tartar (calculus) that accumulates on the teeth.

In addition, if gum disease is present, the dentist can take preventative measures to ensure the disease does not continue to progress.

4. Know the Factors that Increase Your Risk of Developing Gum Disease

Various factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing gum disease. Some of these factors include: smoking, vaping, hormonal changes in females (typically during puberty and pregnancy), menopause, dry mouth, diabetes, pre-existing genetic factors as well as certain illnesses and their required care.

5. Eat Healthy

Eating healthy is key to preventing gum disease. Frequently consuming foods that contain large amounts of sugar or starch increases plaque formation. Eating a nutrient-rich diet will provide the supplements your teeth and gums need to stay healthy, thus, preventing gum disease.

Addressing Issues that Make Proper Dental Care Challenging

The experienced dentists at Woodlane Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can correct any problem that makes caring for your teeth difficult.

Some of the most common problems that make caring for the teeth properly a challenge include:

  • Overcrowded teeth.
  • Defective fillings.
  • Previous dental work that needs to be replaced or repaired.

If you need a dental exam and a cleaning, or you are interested in learning about the cosmetic treatments that are available, please contact Woodlane Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today at (651) 731-1560 to schedule an appointment, or, if you prefer, you can use the online contact form by clicking here.

At Woodlane’s state-of-the-art dental office, patients receive exceptional care from dentists and hygienists who have experience performing the most innovative dental procedures and techniques available.

Woodlane Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 2185 Woodlane Drive in Woodbury, Minnesota.