How Worried Should I Be About Gingivitis?

You should be worried if you have symptoms of gingivitis. If too much time passes without the appropriate response, this infection can turn into a problem that is difficult to manage. Fortunately, by acting in time, you can stop a problem from growing more serious, which can lead to the prevention of complications that might affect your oral and general health. Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can help you avoid difficulties with gum disease. We check on the condition of your gums during regular exams, and can provide a periodontal cleaning to remove bacteria responsible for an infection. Preventive care also helps you fight bacteria buildup before those microbes can start to move beneath your gum line.

Gingivitis Is The First Stage Of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the first stage of a periodontal infection. This is an issue that can affect many, and its symptoms may be recognizable to you. Problems with gums that bleed easily, look swollen or discolored, or feel sensitive point to a possible issue with gingivitis. You can also have a harder time stopping bad breath, and you may see a gradual change in your gum line over time. While an infection is still reversible at this stage, the problem will grow more serious if it is not managed, and that can lead to complications that are more difficult to address.

How Regular Checkups Protect You Against Periodontal Problems

Regular dental exams will help patients prevent problems with their periodontal health. They also help patients who are affected by gingivitis already. If your dentist sees that gingivitis is a problem for you, they will recommend a periodontal cleaning, a deeper cleaning that will remove bacteria buildup under your gum tissues. When patients receive this service, their gums can recover and return to good health before complications cause long-term difficulties. For those who do not show signs of gingivitis, we can perform a standard teeth cleaning that will remove plaque and tartar above the gum line. This clears away the buildup of bacteria to stop the threat of a future infection.

What Should I Do At Home To Protect My Gums?

Just as you need to brush and floss thoroughly to protect yourself against tooth decay, you should take care to clean your smile effectively so that you can stop gingivitis from becoming a problem. If you are not doing so already, make sure that you clean at the base of your teeth when you brush and floss. The bacteria at the base of your teeth can make their way to the roots and start to damage your periodontal tissues if you do not keep these areas clean.

Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office If You Are Concerned About Gingivitis

Your Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is ready to help if you are concerned that gingivitis is affecting your smile. To find out more, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.