GINGIVITIS..DO YOU HAVE IT?

75% of adults have gingivits....do you? 

If you're an adult, you may have gingivitis.  75% of adults have gingivitis...and they do not even know it!  I would like to use this week's entry to describe what gingivits is, how you may recognize it in your own  mouth, and how you can control it.  I tell my patients there are three cardinal signs of gingivitis, an early reversible stage of gum disease.  These are the following:

* Red Gums

*Swollen Gums

*Bleeding Gums

These three painless signs are easily detectable and controlled by you before your dentist even sees you.  Gingivitis is painless but you surely can recognize what it looks like if you remember these three cardinal attributes of this early form of periodontal disease.  If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis...a more serious and advanced form of gum disease.  Periodontitis may cause the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out or need to be extracted.

What exactly is GINGIVITIS?

Oftentimes, my patients have no idea what GINGVITIS is.  To put it simply, this early form of periodontal disease is inflammation of the "gingiva", or gums.  At some point or another, gingivitis affects all adults.  Periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease, is the greatest cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal disease, if left untreated, may develop slowly over a number of years as it progresses in several stages.  These diseases will affect the underlying supporting structures of your teeth, namely the gums and bone.

Another common question in my practice is "What Causes Gingivits".  Well, to put it simply, the answer is PLAQUE.  I am referring to  a soft, sticky, almost colorless bacterial film that forms regularly on your teeth.  The bacteria toxins produced within the plaque are what can irritate the gums and lead to gingivitis.  So, simply said, it is the bacteria in plaque that causes the damage.  This thin film is produced on our teeth every single day.  So, the best way to prevent gingivitis is to control  the plaque!

Bleeding, swollen, and red gums are NOT normal.  Should any of these warning signs exist in your mouth please see your dentist for an examination.  If you have any of these signs make your appointment today!

And yes, you CAN lose your teeth to periodontal disease.  As mentioned above, periodontitis is a more advanced form of periodontal disease...  characterized by chronic inflammation of the supporting structures of your teeth.  As a result of peridontitis, the bone that supports the teeth can be destroyed.  Progressive bone loss will eventually result in loose teeth.  These then will fall out after a period of time or require removal by your dentist.

Gingivitis CAN be controlled by proper home care, including regular brushing and flossing on a daily basis.  The plaque that builds up on your teeth everyday needs to be removed!  With this simple recommendation gingivitis can be reversed.  Periodontitis cannot be reversed although halting its progression is a goal we all strive to meet with proper oral health maintenance, both at home and at your dentist's office.

It's simple!  We all need to take responsibility for our own oral health.  Decide today to take control of your own health.  Schedule your dental examination today; detecting gum disease early is one of the most important ways you can help prevent it from worsening over time. Professional care will assist, educate, and motivate you to protect your smile for as long as you need it....and hopefully that proves to be for a long, long time!  Remember, brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an effective antibacterial mouth wash will help you take control of your own oral health.

You CAN smile with confidence; it all starts with YOU!

Remember, I and my team are here to help you achieve that "Smile You'd Be Proud To Wear...ANYWHERE!