How to Recognize Those Early Signs of Gingivitis
By Regency Dental Group 2 min read
Signs That Your Gums May Not Be in the Pink
Healthy gums should be pale pink, firm to touch and they should look as if they fit snugly around your teeth, ensuring that food or other debris cannot get into the junction between your gums and your teeth. Gums that are diseased may look little different at first glance, but a closer inspection could reveal that they look a bit redder than you remember, they may look puffy or will not fit quite as snugly as you'd like around your teeth.
Bleeding and Fragile Gums
Another incredibly common symptom is noticing even a small amount of blood when you brush or floss. Bleeding gums indicate this tissue is fragile when it should be strong and firm enough to cope with brushing. At this stage, one of the most common mistakes is to stop flossing for a bit, or to stop brushing quite so thoroughly or to at least avoid the area that is bleeding. Unless you are brushing incredibly hard and are actually damaging your gums, then this is the worst thing you can do.
What to Do
Professional dental care is essential, especially if you have not visited a dentist for a while. Ideally, book an appointment with a periodontist who specializes in treating all types of gum disease and any problems with the gums and other structures holding your teeth in place. You only have one set of adult teeth and healthy gums are essential for holding them in place. It pays to get the best and most technologically advanced diagnosis and treatments you can access and which you will find at a good periodontal practice.
What Type of Treatments to Expect
The nice thing about treatments for early gum disease is that they are quick and non-invasive as well as being very effective. It is likely your periodontist will want to deep clean your gums as gingivitis is a bacterial infection. By removing as many of these disease-causing bacteria as possible, your gums will have a much better chance of healing and returning to complete health. As well as professional treatments, you will need to persevere with improving your oral hygiene routine at home as gingivitis is often down to home dental care being a bit lax. Your gums may initially bleed or might feel tender when you brush and floss, but it will only take a couple of week sot see some significant improvements as the bleeding gradually ceases and your gums begin to look healthier. Remember to ask for practical advice and help on better brushing and flossing if you are not quite sure if you are doing it correctly. You will be provided with a full treatment plan and sticking to it will ensure your gums remain healthy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9313310
This article was republished from a syndicated source and is provided for general education. It does not necessarily reflect the treatment philosophy of Regency Dental Group.
This article is general information, not dental or medical advice, and does not replace an examination. If you have a dental concern, call (707) 453-1776. For a medical emergency, call 911.
