 using other forms of tobacco puts you at a greater risk for gingivitis and periodontitis. Gum disease in tobacco users is usually more advanced.
Stages of gingivitis and periodontitis
The bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis always exist in your mouth.
Brushing and flossing regularly helps to keep your bacteria at a level that isn’t harmful to your health. When the bacteria first begin to reach higher levels, your dentist may diagnose gingivitis. Gingivitis doesn’t cause permanent damage and may be mildly discomforting.
If gingivitis goes untreated, your condition can worsen and become periodontitis. This condition is much more difficult to treat since you cannot reverse the damage it does to your teeth and gums.
Diagnosing gingivitis and periodontitis
Only a licensed healthcare professional can diagnose gingivitis or periodontitis.
With regular dental exams every six months, your dentist can keep records of how your gums look at each checkup. They can tell you if you have gingivitis by examining your gums for inflammation.
Your dentist may also use a small tool to push down on your gums and make sure that the pockets of space between your teeth and gums are normal. Pockets that are deeper than 1 to 3 millimeters may signify periodontitis.
Treatments for gingivitis and periodontitis
The best treatment for gingivitis is diligent oral care. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Take your time and the extra care to brush your gum line. That is where bacteria cause the most damage.
If you are concerned that your efforts aren’t enough, talk to your doctor. A severe case of periodontitis may require:
- Scraping teeth: Your dentist will remove plaque buildup from around and under your gum line to reduce bacteria. A special tool is used to scrape your teeth without causing damage to your tooth enamel.
- Oral antibiotics: If the bacteria in your mouth cause an infection, antibiotics can kill the bacteria. Your dentist may prescribe pills or an antibiotic mouthwash.
- Surgery: Advanced periodontitis may require surgery to get deep enough into the gum tissue to remove bacteria and prevent future damage.
- Grafting: If your gum tissue recedes too much because of periodontitis, your dentist can graft gum tissue from other areas of your mouth.
Knowing whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis requires a diagnosis from your dentist.
If you have concerns, give your dentist a call and create a treatment plan that will help you get your gum disease under control and prevent future damage.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
American Academy of Periodontology: "TYPES OF GUM DISEASE."
American Dental Association: "Gingivitis."
Denver Health: "Gingivitis."
Mayo Clinic: "Gingivitis."
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: "Periodontal (Gum) Disease."
TeensHealth: "Gum Disease."