Bidding Farewell to Gingivitis & Embracing Dental Wellness

Are you dealing with bad breath or swollen, tender gums? You might be suffering from gum disease. At the office of Ripon Plaza Dental, we provide comprehensive services designed to help our patients maintain and improve their oral health.

Dental plaque is a sticky film that continuously forms in your mouth. It harbors bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. When left unchecked, plaque can accumulate between the teeth and gums, leading to infection and inflammation of the periodontal tissues.

The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis.

Gingivitis represents the first stage of gum disease. Although it doesn't cause overt discomfort and often goes unnoticed, there are specific signs to watch out for that indicate its onset. If your gums bleed when you brush, appear red and inflamed, or feel tender, you likely have gingivitis.

Causes of Gingivitis Include:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Insufficient brushing and flossing can allow plaque to build up on your teeth and gums.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco use weakens the immune system, making it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Medical Conditions: Certain diseases like diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, can make your gums more susceptible to gingivitis.
• Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can compromise the immune system and contribute to gum disease.

The Good News: Gingivitis Can Be Reversed!

With proper care, you can eliminate gingivitis and restore your periodontal health. By treating gingivitis early in its development, you can avoid the tissue damage associated with more advanced stages of gum disease. Even though inflammation and an active disease process are present with gingivitis, the integrity of the periodontal tissues supporting the teeth remains intact.

At this stage, some simple steps can successfully reverse gingivitis and restore your periodontal health. Our office may recommend a series of deeper dental cleanings involving scaling and root planing, an improved oral hygiene regimen at home, and other non-surgical therapeutic measures to maintain and improve your periodontal health.

What Happens When Gum Disease Goes Untreated?

On the flip side, if left untreated, gingivitis will unfortunately progress to more advanced stages of gum disease. This can lead to tissue damage, including gingival pocket formation, gum recession, and diminishing alveolar bone. In severe cases, teeth may become loose and fall out. Moreover, recent research has found increasing links between periodontal disease and other medical conditions.

For all these reasons, it's crucial to seek timely and effective care. By making the time to eat a healthy diet, practice good oral hygiene, and get routine dental care, you can maintain your periodontal health and an attractive smile while protecting your overall well-being.

Call Us Today!

Don't let gum disease ruin your oral health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you maintain optimal periodontal health.