Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, so it is smart to know the signs of gingivitis. At this stage, the disease can still be reversed, and your gums can heal using preventative dentistry services. When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease or advanced gum disease. When you have periodontitis, you’re at risk of tooth loss, bone loss, and even risk other health issues like heart disease or diabetes.
Taking care of your gum health and teeth is part of a whole-person health outlook. If you’re starting to worry that you might have gingivitis, here are five signs of gingivitis to watch out for:
5 Signs of Gingivitis
1. Bad Breath
Bad breath is one of the signs and symptoms of gingivitis that is easy to detect on your own. When plaque and tartar build-up in your mouth, their toxic waste product emits a noticeable smell. Terrible breath can be more than one of the signs of gingivitis, so it is good to visit your dentist if you’re concerned.
2. Swollen Red Gums
One of the first signs of gingivitis is swollen red gums. Your gums generally shouldn’t change color; if they are, you’ll want to get in touch with a dentist. If your gums bleed while brushing or flossing, that is another sign that your teeth and gums aren’t healthy, and you might have gingivitis.
3. Hot or Cold Sensitive Teeth
When your gums are irritated from the build-up of plaque, they will get inflamed, exposing the dentin on your teeth. Dentin is underneath the enamel, which can be broken down if you have gingivitis.
The tiny tubules of dentin carry hot and cold very efficiently right to the nerve endings leading to sensitivity. Sensitivity can also be a symptom of a more significant issue, so if you’re having any new tooth pain, it is best to see a dentist right away.
4. Moving Teeth
If your teeth are moving around in your mouth, it might be because the bone that helps keep them in place is deteriorating. This is usually a sign of more advanced gum disease, so check with your dentist to determine the cause of your teeth’s movement and identify if this is a sign of gingivitis.
5. Receding Gums
Gingivitis causes gums to become irritated from the build-up of plaque and bacteria. If this is the case, your gums will start to recede from your teeth. If your teeth look like they are getting bigger, your gums are probably beginning to recede.
What Do I Do if I Have Gingivitis?
If you suspect you have gingivitis, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine if you need gum disease treatment or if better dental hygiene will help reverse the course. You can take these steps at home to help reverse the signs of gingivitis:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss at least once per day.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash twice a day.
- Get your regular six-month dental exam from a dental hygenist.
If you need gum disease treatment, your dental professional will perform a deep, under-the-gum cleaning called scaling and root planing. This is usually preceded by a numbing agent that doesn’t use a needle so that you can remain comfortable during the procedure. The deep clean is a lot like a regular clean, but it gets deeper along the gum line to clean out the plaque and bacteria from under your gum tissues. This is meant to help get your oral health back on track.
Signs of Gingivitis? Call Lovett Dental Sharpstown Today
If you’re experiencing one of these signs of gingivitis, either complete our convenient online form or call Lovett Dental Sharpstown at 281-975-5560. We can help you with gum disease treatment to get your dental health back on track before it becomes periodontitis.
