Many people have heard of gingivitis, yet not everyone knows exactly what it is. Gingivitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the gums. It is also referred to as gingiva. In most cases, gingivitis occurs when a film of bacteria, also known as plaque, accumulates on your teeth. Gingivitis is common and luckily, it is treatable, too.

Gingivitis is categorized as a periodontal disease, yet it is often not considered as serious as other kinds of dental diseases. Yet untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease which is a serious dental problem requiring treatment. Those with periodontal disease are at risk of losing their teeth if they neglect proper treatment.

Signs of gingivitis include inflamed, red gums. Oftentimes, the gums bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing the teeth. The good news is that most cases of gingivitis are reversible with proper oral hygiene. This include more frequent brushing as well as more frequent flossing. Many times, the combination of better oral hygiene can reverse the effects of gingivitis.

There are two kinds of gingivitis: dental plaque-induced gingival disease and non-plaque induced gingival lesions. Both require treatment by a skilled dental professional. In the case of dental plaque-induced gingival disease, medications, malnutrition, or plaque can be the cause. With non-plaque induced gingival disease, the case is often related to a bacteria or a fungus. It can also be genetic in nature, or even because of an illness or a foreign body.

If you suspect gingivitis, the most important step is finding a trusted dental practitioner who can address the issue with professionalism and care. At Absolute Smile, we can help you treat gingivitis so that your teeth and gums remain as healthy as possible. If you need to find a dental office that you can trust, Absolute Smile is ready to be of assistance.