Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that usually results from poor oral hygiene. If you don’t see a dentist and leave the condition untreated, gingivitis can progress to full-blown periodontal disease—which can have more serious consequences, like tooth loss. Here, C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry in Lorain, OH, answers the top three questions patients have about gingivitis.

3 Gingivitis FAQs: A Dentist Answers Your Queries

1. What Are the Signs of Gingivitis?

Early signs of gingivitis include redness, swelling, and inflamed gums. When the symptoms are mild, you may not notice any pain or discomfort. If your gums bleed regularly when flossing, however, this may be an indicator early stage gum disease is developing.

2. Are There Cures Available?

Yes, there are a number of treatment options available for gingivitis. In its early stages, gingivitis can be reversed by improving your oral hygiene habits: Flossing daily is a must, and your dentist may also recommend using an antiseptic mouth rinse. If gingivitis progresses to the stage of periodontal disease, treatment becomes more complicated. For instance, it may require parts of the teeth below the gum line to be scraped clean and smoothed in a procedure known as scaling and root planing.

3. How Can Gingivitis Be Prevented?

While it is possible to treat gingivitis, prevention is the best cure. For most people, gingivitis can be easily avoided with regular brushing and flossing, plus regular trips to a dentist. A thorough cleaning at the dental clinic will get rid of plaque and tartar buildup your home routine can’t nix, staving off gingivitis in the process.

If you suspect you might be developing gingivitis, go see a dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you catch this problem, the sooner you can nip it in the bud. For a reliable local dentist in Lorain, OH, look to C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry. Visit their website or call (440) 960-5200 to schedule an appointment.