Gingivitis is a type of disease related to the gums. Advanced gum infection is called periodontitis, and it often creates long-lasting problems, including damage to the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It’s a disease that shouldn’t be taken lightly as it has major health repercussions. Dr. Barry Buchanan has been practicing general dentistry in Dallas for the last 34 years. Let’s explore his views on the risks of gingivitis and the best ways to treat the disease.
Gingivitis is the condition you suffer from when your gums, also called your gingiva, get inflamed. You can spot the condition by certain signs, described below.
However, you may not be able to spot the early signs of gingivitis, though a good dentist can easily determine the onset of this disease.
Scheduling regular dentist visits for a cleaning and checkup should be enough to keep gingivitis at bay. The plaque and tartar buildup, which are the main culprits of gingivitis, are scraped away, leaving you with a bacteria-free mouth.
If your gums are already showing signs of developing gingivitis, the following methods can help resolve the issue:
It is not safe to leave gingivitis untreated, even at the early stages. Untreated gingivitis has a high chance of turning into periodontitis, which can lead you to lose your teeth, and worse, can cause heart disease.
Genetics plays a role in increasing the risk of developing gingivitis. Pre-existing conditions including diabetes, respiratory ailments, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery illness, and strokes are also risk factors. All these diseases increase bad bacteria in the body.
If you think you may be suffering from gingivitis or periodontal gum disease and need to schedule a thorough dental exam, call Dallas dentist Dr. Barry Buchanan today.
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