What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an infection of the gum tissue where bacteria and bacterial debris cause a severe inflammation response.
Signs of gingivitis
The signs of gingivitis include swollen, red gums around the tooth structure, tissue that's very uncomfortable to being touched, gum tissue that bleeds easily, and bad breath. You can usually identify this problem if you see severe red, unhappy tissue right around the gum line.
Common causes of gingivitis
The three main causes of gingivitis are a high concentration of harmful bacteria around the gum line of the tooth, the buildup of plaque, and rotting food stuck between the teeth.
What problems can gingivitis cause?
Gum disease is a progressive process that starts with gingivitis, shifts to periodontitis, and then into periodontal, full-blown periodontal disease. If not treated, it can lead to the loss of ligaments and bone that support your tooth, which can cause the tooth to loosen and eventually be lost.
Treatment options
Treatment options for gingivitis include daily flossing and brushing at home, as well as regular professional cleanings with a hygienist.
How long does it take to treat gingivitis?
If you are doing good home care and regularly seeing your hygienist, even if you've had a flare-up of some gingivitis, usually it can be resolved within about 7 to 10 days.
How can you schedule an appointment to have your teeth cleaned and checked?
If you are in the Oroville area, you can call Daniel Appel, DDS, at 530-533-7545, to schedule an appointment. If you are not in the Oroville area, you can look for highly-rated dentists in your area on Google reviews.