Gingivitis Specialist

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is early stage gum disease and is one of the most overlooked dental problems. People can unknowingly have gingivitis and never be aware of the conditions because it doesn’t usually hurt. If you don’t go for regular dental checkups and cleanings you might not know until the gingivitis worsens and develops into periodontitis. Periodontitis has serious risks, such as losing gum tissue and bone. In most cases, you cannot regrow gum tissue or bone, and expensive graft surgery might be your only option to repair your gums. There are also links between periodontal infections and diabetes, heart disease and even Alzheimer's. So if somebody tells you that you can die from a gum disease, take it seriously and get your teeth checked. It is possible and you don’t want to be among those living in the dark.

How is gingivitis treated?

Prevention is key. It is important to take care of your gums as well as your teeth. At 866-FIX-TEETH, the dentists and hygienists will teach you how to properly care for your teeth and gums, so you can keep your own teeth for a lifetime. Education, prevention, and early intervention are the principles of our approach to treating gingivitis. The earlier you recognize the problem, the easier it is to treat, but it is even easier to prevent the problem in the first place. When we treat gum disease, we use the antibiotic Arestin in a powder form to fight the infection. The medicine is deposited directly into the gum pocket to fight the infection locally, which is a much safer and more effective treatment.

What signs should I look for to protect myself from gingivitis?

Gingivitis symptoms are often disregarded or linked to other dental issues. Some of the common signs include:

• Swollen and red gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Teeth sensitivity
• Discomfort when chewing
• Gums are tender and bleed
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth or teeth have fallen out