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When plaque develops along the gums, the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed, also known as gingivitis. This dental care problem leads to more serious oral health issues when left untreated. Fortunately, there are steps to reverse this disease and prevent damage. Here are a few frequently asked questions that shed light on identifying, treating, and preventing gingivitis.

4 Frequently Asked Questions about Gingivitis

1. How can I prevent gingivitis?

dental careThe best way to prevent gingivitis is by fighting plaque development through routine dental care. Brush your teeth at least twice daily for two-minute periods and floss thoroughly at least once a day. Also, visit the dentist once every six months for thorough gum and teeth cleaning. Take steps to avoid activities that harm gum health—such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming excessive amounts of sugar.

2. How do I know I have gingivitis?

Gingivitis symptoms involve physical changes to the gums such as swollen, receding, or bleeding gums, all resulting in sensitivity to touch. Due to the buildup of plaque, untreated gingivitis also contributes to chronic bad breath.

See your dentist to confirm that you have gingivitis. During an exam, your dental care provider will measure the length of your gum tissue to see if there’s plaque-related inflammation or infection.

3. What happens if gingivitis goes untreated?

When gingivitis is not adequately treated, it advances into gum disease. As this disease progresses, gum tissue and underlying bone deteriorate. Eventually, these changes cause teeth to shift or fall out entirely. The infection also spreads through the bloodstream and increases the risk of other health issues, such as heart disease.

4. How is gingivitis treated?

The best treatment for gingivitis is dependent on how advanced the problem is. Deep cleanings from your dentist and exceptional oral hygiene at home will correct minor inflammation. More advanced cases require root planing and scaling—a process in which a dentist uses special tools to remove deep-seated plaque.  

When you want to avoid the complications of gingivitis, bring your smile to David E. Smith, DMD, PSC. Serving patients of all ages, this dental clinic of Nicholasville, KY offers comprehensive exams to assess gum health and diagnose gingivitis. Dr. Smith provides intensive, gentle cleaning to clear plaque buildup and prevent infection. To learn more about these dental care services, visit this oral health provider online or schedule an appointment by calling (859) 887-4008.

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