What would you do if a part of your body would start bleeding when applying a bit of pressure or when rubbing it? You would be alarmed and set an appointment with your doctor to understand the cause and find out how to treat this condition. However, when it comes to oral health, a lot of people aren't very concerned when they notice their gums are swollen or bleed when brushing their teeth.
Gingivitis is a serious condition that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Here's why.
What Is Gingivitis and What's Causing It?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, an infection that affects the soft tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. It's mainly caused by poor oral hygiene although habits like smoking or having a poor diet can also contribute to this condition. People who need to take certain medications, those with a compromised immune system, and even pregnant women are also more likely to develop gingivitis.
But, in most patients, plaque buildup is the reason for developing gingivitis. Plaque is like a thin film that covers your teeth as you eat and drink. If you don't remove it, this film gets thicker and it eventually turns into tartar, a hard deposit that can only be removed by the dentist.
Both plaque and tartar are filled with bacteria and the acid they release when feeding on the food debris in the mouth irritates the gums, making them tender and swollen.
Gingivitis Signs
The problem is that gingivitis isn't always very noticeable and you may not even know you have it. That's why regular dental check-ups are essential as the dentist knows what to look for and how to identify the early signs of gingivitis.
As the condition progresses, you may start noticing:
- Bad breath
- Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing your teeth
- Red gums
- Tender and swollen gums
What Happens If I Don't Treat Gingivitis?
As the infection progresses, it can get under the gum line and reach all the way to the bone supporting your teeth. The gums begin to pull back from the teeth, exposing more and more of the root. The bone starts losing its density and it's becoming smaller and thinner and unable to provide a proper foundation for your teeth. Over time, your teeth become loose and they start falling out.
The danger of gingivitis is that when left untreated it will progress to periodontal disease, an irreversible condition. Gingivitis, on the other hand, can be treated and reversed.
What Should You Do Next?
If your gums are red and swollen, the best thing you can do is to schedule an appointment with Poulos, Somers & Marshall as soon as possible. We can provide the right treatment based on the severity of your gum condition.
Contact us online or call us at 303-832-4867 to book your appointment.
