The First Signs of Gingivitis

The First Signs of Gingivitis

dentist CharlottesvilleGum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, cause concern for your dentist. During all oral health checkups, a dentist will look for signs and symptoms of gum disease. If gum disease is present or deemed to be a potential threat, oral health professionals will encourage that patients improve their oral hygiene practices at home, change their diets, and receive specialized cleanings, if necessary. It is important that professionals monitor gum health because gingivitis can be asymptomatic to patients. In some instances, however, there are common symptoms that people should be aware. Common symptoms include bleeding and sore gums along with red or inflamed gingival tissue.

The Onset and Progression of Gum Disease

Untreated gum disease can lead to a host of oral health and quality of life problems. Once gum disease advances, it can destroy the whole oral health system including teeth and bone. Gum disease initially begins with the gingiva becoming inflamed and irritated, normally as tartar accumulates along the gum line. Since tartar cannot be removed by home care and its accumulation is normally the result of poor oral hygiene, it will only build up along the gums more.

As a response to tartar buildup, the gums will begin to pull away from teeth. Receding gums will expose the roots of teeth to oral bacteria, debris, and more tartar. Without professional intervention, tartar accumulation and gum recession will continue to occur until teeth are left unsupported and may become lose. Moreover, the gums – being so inflamed and irritated – will become infected. This infection will spread throughout the mouth and might even destroy bone or enter the bloodstream.

Advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. A wealth of research has also linked gum disease to chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disease.

If you have suffered from tooth loss related to gum disease, you might be eligible for dental implants. Embedded into the jawbone, dental implants are prosthetics used to replace the roots of teeth and support dental crowns, bridges, or dentures.

To learn more, call us today to reserve an appointment at Charlottesville Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center.