Most common dental issues, including gingivitis, exhibit warning signs in their earliest stages. However, these signs aren’t always obvious, and many patients miss them altogether until they become more severe. For instance, when gingivitis first develops, the bacteria-caused infection can cause your gums to become red and inflamed. However, they may not ache or become sensitive, which can make it even easier to overlook these symptoms and give the condition the chance to grow worse. Today, we take a look at how you can tell if gingivitis forms and what you should do if you notice that it has.

The Beginning Stage of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, which affects the protective gum tissues that surround your teeth roots. It begins as an infection resulting from the buildup of harmful oral bacteria along your gum line. As it progresses, this infection and the resulting inflammation can lead to continuous damage to your gum tissues. In more severe cases of gum disease, that damage can diminish the supportive structures that uphold your teeth, leading to tooth loss by the time you seek treatment.

What You Should Do

Because gingivitis and gum disease are caused by the presence of oral bacteria, the first step to treating your condition is to remove these harmful microbes. Periodontal cleaning (or scaling and root planing) involves carefully cleaning the bacteria off the surfaces of your teeth roots, underneath your gums, which allows your gums to heal and reattach to your teeth roots. If detected and treated early, gingivitis may be reversed, or at least controlled with routine periodontal maintenance to prevent it from progressing.

Stop Gingivitis Before It Gets Worse

If you notice that gingivitis has developed, then seek treatment as soon as possible to stop it from progressing into severe gum disease. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.