Gingivitis Symptoms and Treatment
Periodontal disease affects 4 out of 5 people. Eberhardt Dentistry in Akron, OH can help keep your gums healthy. Give us a call today at (330) 836-5585 or schedule an appointment online.
Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, is when your gums become infected with oral bacteria. This bacteria causes irritation and inflammation in your gums that can be painful and contribute to bad breath or result in loose or missing teeth. The dental professionals at Eberhardt Dentistry can help you with gum diseases, such as gingivitis, in a safe and welcoming environment.
Gingivitis Causes
Bacteria fills your mouth, but most are harmless and even beneficial. Porphyromonas gingivalis is the cause of gingivitis, a bacteria that can build up inside your mouth in those who are lax with their oral hygiene or fall onto one of the following categories:
- Smokers
- Diabetics
- Seniors
- Those on antidepressants, steroids, or pain relievers
- Postmenopausal women
Though the above are at an increased risk of gingivitis, it can affect anyone. Proper oral care keeps bacteria at bay, though once the bacteria gets between your gums and teeth, it becomes harder to remove.
Gingivitis Treatment and Prevention
Gingivitis is easy to prevent and even manage in its early stages. As it progresses, it becomes harder and harder to treat. It is essential to know the signs of gum disease so you can seek treatment sooner rather than later. If you notice any of the following, give Eberhardt Dentistry a call:
- Bad breath
- Irritation or redness in or around the gum line
- Excess plaque and tartar build-up
Untreated gingivitis can lead to various other diseases such as pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and even pregnancy complications.
Non-Surgical Treatments
If caught in the early stages, you can treat gingivitis by improving your oral hygiene regimen. By brushing routinely with a soft toothbrush twice a day and flossing at least once a day, you can reverse the effects of gingivitis and prevent future infection.
If this does not help, our dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection and perform a professional cleaning where they remove excess plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line.
Surgical Treatments
Gum diseases, such as gingivitis, may cause loose teeth, receding gums, or even pockets that form in your gums if they progress too far. If this is the case, you may require surgical treatments such as:
Flap Surgery
A procedure where excess gum tissue is cut and stitched to get rid of any pocket harboring bacteria.
Tissue Grafts
When bacteria have infected your tissue to the point of erosion, our dentist may take healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth and graft it where needed to replace the eroded tissue. There are many techniques to accomplish this including the “pin-hole” technique.
Gingivitis Treatment in Akron, OH
Eberhardt Dentistry serves the dental needs of patients in and around Akron, OH. If you think you suffer from gum disease, give our office a call today at (330) 836-5585 or schedule appointment online. Our dental professionals will answer your questions and work out a treatment plan to restore your mouth to a healthy condition.
