Think You Have Healthy Gums? Common Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gum disease is more common than you may think. Nearly half of adults older than 30 years have had some form of it during their life. As prevalent as this condition is, the good news is that when caught early, it can be reversed! The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. But how do you know if you have it? Read on to discover what the warning signs for gingivitis are and how your dentist can treat it.

What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?

One of the most common causes of gingivitis is poor dental hygiene. It allows for bacteria to build up on your teeth and turn into tartar. As it sits along your gumline, it can irritate the gums and cause them to recede from the teeth.

Even though it seems like it’d be easy to notice the symptoms, they can be mild at first, so many people don’t realize they have gum disease until permanent damage has been done. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the early warning signs before it turns into something more serious. Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch for:

• Swollen/puffy gums
• Bright red, reddish-purple, or dark gums
• Bleeding gums when you floss or brush
• Gum tenderness
• Bad breath

What Should I Do If I Have Signs of Gingivitis?

If you’re noticing signs like red, swollen, or bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing, it could be more than just sensitivity. Having these symptoms, along with persistent bad breath and gum tenderness, are all early warning signs. They might not seem serious at first, but it’s your body’s way of signaling something is wrong.

Calling your dentist as soon as possible can help reverse any damage done. During the visit, your dentist will examine your gums for irritation and swelling. They will even measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth, as the deeper they are can indicate gum disease.

How is Gingivitis Treated?

The main goal of gum disease treatment is to remove the built-up plaque and tartar. One of the most common solutions is called “scaling and root planing.” This is a two-step process for deep cleaning your gums.

During the scaling portion, your dentist will use dental tools to clear away tartar from beneath and along your gums. Only your dentist can do this part because hardened plaque cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Root planing involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth. It allows the gums to reattach more easily and heal properly!

Once your teeth are all cleaned up, your dentist will recommend that you follow a good dental routine to keep them plaque-free. It is one of the best ways to prevent gingivitis!

If you’re dealing with red, swollen gums or any other symptoms, reach out to your dentist. Taking care of it early can lead to better outcomes and leave you with a healthier, brighter smile.

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we have a fantastic team of dentists who strive to provide you with the oral healthcare you need. With many locations throughout the DFW area, including Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth, we treat every patient with compassion. We tailor treatment plans for each one so they can get your smile back on track quickly and effectively. If you have swollen gums and think you may have gingivitis, visit our website or call our Mesquite location at (972) 331-5300.