What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a reversible form of gum disease that affects the teeth and the surrounding bones.
Is gingivitis different from periodontitis?
One common question that we get is the difference between gingivitis and something called periodontitis. Gingivitis is still at the point where it is a reversible form of the disease, meaning if treated correctly, there will be no irreversible damage. Once bone and surrounding structures around the teeth have been damaged to the point they cannot be fully repaired, that's when a patient has a different condition known as periodontitis.
What are the first symptoms of gingivitis?
Some of the most common symptoms that people have with gingivitis are going to be redness and puffiness of the gums and surrounding tissues around the teeth. This often comes in when you're brushing or flossing. You'll notice that there's blood as you're flossing or as you're brushing.
How dangerous is gingivitis?
Gingivitis by itself is not extremely dangerous. However, if gingivitis is untreated, it can lead to an irreversible condition called periodontitis, which is more challenging to treat.
Can you have gingivitis and periodontitis at the same time?
You cannot have gingivitis and periodontitis at the same time because periodontitis is where there's irreversible damage to the gum and bone tissues surrounding the teeth. When a patient has gingivitis, there's still a reversible form of the disease.
How do dentists treat gingivitis?
Dentists treat gingivitis through non-surgical treatments in the office. The goal of these treatments is to get all the bacteria off of the teeth that's causing the gingivitis.
How long does it take to cure gingivitis?
Typically, gingivitis will resolve itself within 7-14 days after an in-office treatment.
When should I schedule a dental appointment if I suspect I may have gingivitis?
If you suspect that you may have gingivitis, it's important to go ahead and get an appointment booked soon to make sure that we get the areas addressed before it becomes a more serious condition.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to give us a call at (850) 909-9731. We look forward to seeing you soon.