If you don’t have gingivitis, then the condition may not seem that serious. It’s most often mentioned in commercials for dental hygiene products, and rarely discussed as the precursor to the more serious conditions of gum disease. Because of this, it can be easy for patients to overlook the early signs of gingivitis and the importance of taking them seriously. This can allow the condition time to progress into much more serious gum disease, leading to increased risks of tooth loss and more complex oral health problems.

What gingivitis is the start of

Gum disease isn’t the same thing for everyone, and in its earliest stage, the symptoms that it might produce typically don’t seem too serious. This early stage is known as gingivitis, and it describes an infection in your gums that develops when oral bacteria infect your gum tissues. Despite the potentially serious consequences of gum disease, it can often be successfully prevented with minimal effort. For example, by brushing your teeth twice every day and flossing at least once, you can vastly improve your chances of preventing oral bacteria from accumulating on your gum line enough to infect the tissues.

What increases your risks of it?

The main cause of gingivitis and gum disease development is the buildup of oral bacteria, which is why physically cleaning away these bacteria is essential to preventing it. However, there are certain things that could increase your risks of developing gingivitis even if you believe that you’re doing all you can to prevent it. For example, if you smoke or chew tobacco, or drink alcohol excessively, then these can lead to reactions in your oral and periodontal tissues that make you highly susceptible to gum disease. Your risks can also be impacted by not attending routine checkup and cleaning appointments, engaging in unhealthy eating habits, and more.

If you’re already showing the signs

Despite knowing the potential consequences of gum disease, many people still may not take gingivitis seriously until they develop it. If you do, then the best way to save your smile is to address your gingivitis as soon as possible with appropriate periodontal care and treatment. Some of the warning signs can include inflammation, or swelling, in your gum tissues, areas of discoloration, recession in your gums, chronic bad breath, and more. If you notice such signs, then schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible to diagnose and address your gingivitis as early as possible.

Learn what to do about gingivitis

If you have gingivitis, then it may be a more worrisome condition than you realize at first, and addressing it as soon as possible could be essential to saving your smile. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smile in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.