Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz CA
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, a bacterial infection in the gums. It causes gum inflammation and bleeding, and is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 200,000 new cases of gingivitis are diagnosed every year in the United States. Left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. By that point, your mouth has sustained permanent damage. Gum disease affects half of the adults in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your best defense is early diagnosis and proper oral care. That’s why your Scotts Valley family dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry created this guide for common warning signs that you might have gingivitis.
Six Warning Signs of Gingivitis
- Swollen Gums: Inflammation is the major characteristic of gingivitis. If your gums are under attack by gingivitis, they will look puffy and inflamed.
- Discolored Gums: Healthy gums are light pink in color. Gingivitis gradually turns your gums dark red. This change will appear gradual to you, but Drs. Max and Ariana Ebrahimian have the expertise to identify the color change associated with gum disease right away when conducting an examination.
- Bad Breath: Everyone gets bad breath when they eat certain foods or have had a particularly dehydrating day. Chronic, strong-smelling bad breath can be a sign you’re not brushing and flossing your teeth as you should. It also could be a sign of gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease.
- Receding Gums: Gingivitis causes gum recession, which is when gums pull away from the base of your teeth. This often results in tooth sensitivity, and teeth are more susceptible to cavities.
- Bleeding Gums: If you’ve ever brushed too hard or had sharp food poke your gums and they bled for a second, don’t worry, it happens. When your gums start bleeding more often, this is a major sign of gingivitis. The more swollen that your gums appear, the more vulnerable the tissue is, and the more likely your gums will bleed.
- Tender Gums: Gingivitis often results in tender or sore gums, especially when you brush your floss your teeth. It may be uncomfortable to the point that you put off oral hygiene, which only makes the condition worse.
Gingivitis Treatment in Scotts Valley
Are your gums bright red, swollen, and sensitive? Are your gums bleeding regularly? Do you have bad breath that always comes back, no matter how often you brush your teeth or use mouthwash? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with family dentists in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry.
Don’t ignore gingivitis. Untreated gum disease can do devastating damage to your oral health, including tooth loss. It also increases your risk of several systemic diseases such as respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. Reduce your risk of severe health conditions by taking better care of your teeth, and following through with routine dental cleanings and checkups. Call our office at (831) 438-4411 to make your appointment today. Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry serves patients located in the California communities of Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley.
