Gingivitis is a common stage of gum disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s caused by plaque buildup on your teeth and gums, and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious forms of gum disease and can potentially cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
At our Woodland Hills dental office, our dentists aim to keep our patients well-informed about their conditions and offer personalized gum disease treatment. To schedule your appointment at John M. Chaves, DDS, contact us today at 818-491-7294.
Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and even cause systemic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, or diabetes complications.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease that affects the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums when you eat or drink. If plaque isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
The bacteria in plaque can irritate your gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to early periodontitis.
The symptoms of gingivitis can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our dentist in Woodland Hills as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of gingivitis can prevent it from progressing to a more serious form of gum disease.
Several healthy habits can help treat gingivitis:
The costs of gingivitis treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the recommended treatment plan, and the geographical location. General cost estimates for common gingivitis treatments are:
When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to advanced gum disease or other serious health conditions. The inflammation caused by gingivitis can spread from gum tissue to the supporting structures of the teeth, such as the bone and ligaments, leading to a more advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis.
With untreated periodontal disease, patients may experience the destruction of the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place, leading to tooth loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms of early-stage gum disease symptoms, see a dental professional as soon as possible.
No, gingivitis is not contagious. It’s a bacterial infection caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums, which is only created due to a lack of daily brushing and flossing.
While you can improve your oral hygiene habits at home, it’s important to schedule a professional dental cleaning to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. There are hard-to-reach areas of the mouth that can’t always be cleaned with regular brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits will help you avoid developing periodontal disease.
Yes, gingivitis is reversible with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene habits. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
You can prevent gingivitis by practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Make sure to also schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth and gums.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and affects the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which affects the bone that supports your teeth.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gingivitis, such as swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with our experienced and knowledgeable dentist in Woodland Hills. Our dental team is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized care to help you prevent and treat periodontal diseases, as well as help you maintain good oral health.
Contact us today at 818-491-7294 to schedule your dental appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile. We look forward to hearing from you!
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