Dentist for Gingivitis
Do you experience any pain or sensitivity in your gums? Or do you notice your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? These can be signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis is one of the most common reasons for people to visit the dentist. If you are experiencing these issues, read on to find out how a dentist for gingivitis in Wall Township can help you.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is considered the mildest form of gum disease (also called periodontal disease). When you have gingivitis, your gums begin to get irritated from plaque buildup, making them swell and appear red. Specifically, the gingiva, which is the gum line surrounding the base of your teeth.
It’s important to treat gingivitis because it may lead to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Patients may also have tooth loss in severe cases.
What causes gingivitis?
The number one cause of gingivitis is bacteria. Our mouth is naturally home to millions of bacteria, and having poor oral hygiene puts you at risk. Dentists advise brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily to properly care for your dental health.
When you don’t brush your teeth daily, plaque begins to build up on your teeth. Plaque is a transparent liquid made up of bacteria. When it is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is even more difficult to remove. Tartar and plaque irritate your gums when they harden. And the more buildup there is, the more your gums become inflamed. Your teeth may also be affected. You may develop teeth decay.
How to tell if you have gum disease
You may have gum disease when you experience the following symptoms: gums that appear dark red and swollen, pain, bleeding, receding gums, and bad breath.
When do you need to see the dentist?
Sometimes, our gums may bleed especially when we brush too hard. This can be normal. However, if you experience these symptoms regularly, it may be time to schedule an appointment at your dental office.
Complete prevention is possible. But if you think you already have the condition, it’s also reversible! Visiting your dentist will be the first step in reversing the condition. Doing so early will help you avoid more invasive procedures done if the disease progresses.
To know more if you have early gum disease, visit Sage Dental and Spa in Wall Township NJ, and let our office assess you. We will start with a complete examination to ensure that a gum procedure is right for you.
Visit or call us now!
How can dentistry in Wall Township help?
If you are concerned that you have gum disease, do not delay visiting a dental office near you.
Here are some ways your dentist for gingivitis can help you:
- The first thing a professional would do is to assess your teeth and gums through a comprehensive exam. Then, they will let you know the best treatment plan for you.
- Deep cleaning – simply brushing your teeth may not be enough to thoroughly clean bacterial buildup. Your doctor can perform a cleaning to do the job. They take out plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and gums, as well as in the roots to prevent further buildup. These procedures are called root planing and scaling.
- Mouth restoration – when you have poor-fitting dental crowns or bridges, they may irritate your gums. This makes it more difficult to clean your teeth on your own. Doctors will examine your dental restorations during your visit and may recommend adjusting or repairing them. For severe cases of gum disease that give you poor-looking teeth or even tooth loss, a gum graft, a bone graft and implants may be recommended by your dentist to restore function to your teeth.
- Ongoing dental care – aside from visiting your dentist twice a year, your daily dental habits like brushing and flossing will go a long way in keeping your gums safe and healthy. Partner with your dentist to come up with an at-home treatment plan.
What can you expect from your dental visit?
You can expect your dentist to review your dental and medical records. If you are a new patient, your dentist may ask for your records from your previous dental office, or you may already prepare the information before your visit.
Your dentist will thoroughly check your whole mouth for any signs of infection. He or she will check your gum health by measuring the depth between your gums and teeth. A depth of 4mm already indicates that there is gum disease.[1] To check if there is any bone loss, your dentist may also perform x-rays for a more complete view.
If needed, your dentist may ask you to take additional tests. He or she may also advise you to take medications.
What you can do before your dental appointment
To make your dentist appointment more fruitful, here are some ways that you can do to prepare for your visit:
- Prepare necessary information about yourself and take note of any medical conditions that may have contributed to your symptoms.
- Make a list of all the symptoms you are experiencing and how long they have been present.
- Make a list of all medications or supplements that you are currently taking.
- Don’t forget to ask questions if you have any.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How common is gingivitis?
According to a CDC report, almost half, or 47.2% of adults have some form of gum condition.
Are there people who are more at risk of gingivitis?
Everyone with poor oral habits is at risk of developing gingivitis., but there are also other factors. Pregnant women or people who are undergoing hormonal changes are at an increased risk of getting gingivitis.
Elderly people, people who have underlying medical conditions (such as HIV, diabetes, or cancer), and who have other viral or fungal infections are also prone to gingivitis. When you are using tobacco products and certain drugs, you are also more at risk.
Can gingivitis be prevented?
Yes! Prioritizing your dental needs such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, and other best practices can prevent you from developing gum disease.
Can gingivitis be reversed?
Yes! Gum diseases progress with time, and the good news is that gingivitis is still at its early stages. With the help of a professional and observing good oral care, you can reverse the damage caused by gingivitis to your teeth or gums. It is vital to visit a dental office as soon as you think that you have issues. This is so that you can take proper action and reverse the damage right away!
I will have my gum disease treated. Is there any post-treatment care needed?
It will likely depend on what procedure you will have. Your periodontist will be able to discuss with you in detail any post-treatment care needed.
Is the treatment for gingivitis permanent?
Since gingivitis is the mildest form, your dentist’s treatment can be permanent. But, take note that it will ultimately depend on how well you take care of your mouth on a daily basis.
Takeaway
Preventing and treating gum diseases is most effective when there is a partnership between you and your dentist. Good dental care plus regular visits are what you need to protect your dental health.
Your dentistry for gingivitis in Wall Township NJ
Looking for a dentist for gingivitis in Wall Township NJ?
If you or someone you know is experiencing gingivitis symptoms, come to Sage Dental and Spa in Wall, NJ. Our dentist, Dr. Avi Israeli, is an expert at helping patients in restoring their teeth and gums. Our dental office will be delighted to assist you!