What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis, also known as periodontal disease, is a common bacterial gum disease that causes inflamed, red gums. Although some bacteria in the mouth is natural, an excess amount can cause colorless plaque buildup. Because plaque accumulates quickly, it can turn into tartar if it is not removed. In turn, tartar hardens beneath your gums and attracts more bacteria. Ultimately, this bacteria causes inflammation of the gingiva, leading to gingivitis and potential tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is primarily caused by insufficient dental hygiene. Gingivitis can typically be prevented by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and attending regular dental checkups. However, there are a few other causes of gingivitis:
- Dry mouth
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Ill-fitting dental restorations
- Aging
- Hormonal changes relating to birth control
- Genetics
While gingivitis is a common condition, its symptoms can be painful. You might notice you have bad breath, your gums bleeding, swelling, receding or feeling especially tender. It's important to seek gum disease treatment to prevent those symptoms from becoming worse. For advanced cases, we provide periodontal disease treatment at Family Dentistry of New Jersey (FDNJ). Call us or contact us online to seek treatment for your gum disease before it advances.
How We Can Treat Gum Disease
There are a variety of options for periodontal disease treatment. The most common solution is improving oral hygiene, especially brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup. If you need further gum disease treatment, we offer dental cleaning and restoration at Family Dentistry of New Jersey (FDNJ). Through ongoing care, we can monitor your symptoms and work to prevent further damage.
More advanced gingivitis cases may cause severe inflammation in the gum tissue and create pockets within the gums. In situations like these, periodontal surgery may be necessary.
You might be a candidate for gingivitis surgery if you experience the following symptoms:
- Inflamed and bleeding gums
- Pain while chewing
- Consistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Severe pain when brushing or flossing
- Pockets between the gums and teeth
There are three types of periodontal disease treatment:
- Gingivoplasty: Gingivoplasty surgically reshapes the gum line around the teeth. This procedure improves the overall appearance and health of your gums.
- Gingival flap surgery: This procedure is helpful for patients who have deep pockets containing deposits of tarter. The dentist makes small incisions to create flaps, making it easier to access the tarter and remove it.
- Gingivectomy: A gingivectomy is the removal of the infected gum tissue, which is necessary when deep pockets have formed between the gum and the teeth.
Although periodontal surgery is only necessary in extreme cases, it can have a multitude of benefits when performed by a gingivitis dentist. Common benefits of gingivitis surgery at FDNJ include:
- Quicker healing and short recovery times.
- Preservation of natural teeth.
- Removal of plaque and bacteria accumulation.
- Restoration of healthy, functional gums.
- Prevention of gum disease reoccurrence.
- Restoration of dental structure.
Get Professional Treatment Today
If you are experiencing an advanced gingivitis case that can't be solved with an improved at-home oral hygiene routine, come to FDNJ. Our gingivitis dentists (periodontist) and other team members receive specialized training to provide patients with quality care. We value your oral health and strive to make you feel as comfortable as possible with your dental experience.
If you need periodontal disease treatment, call us or request a dental appointment online today!