When to Ask Your Dentist if You Have Gingivitis

Not everyone who develops gingivitis realizes when they do. In fact, they may not realize there’s a problem until more severe gum disease begins to noticeably affect their gums and oral health. However, if you’re diligent, you may have a good chance of realizing that you have gingivitis before it becomes a more serious threat to your smile. With prompt care and attention from your dentist, you may have an even better chance of reversing or controlling the condition before it has time to cause damage to your gums and oral health.

You notice tartar buildup along your gum line

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and it’s the product of harmful oral bacteria infecting your gum tissues. This occurs when bacteria accumulate along your gum line and remain there long enough to work their way underneath your gums. When oral bacteria accumulate, they form plaque on your teeth and gum line, which you can effectively remove by carefully brushing your teeth twice and flossing at least once every day. However, once plaque calcifies into tartar, you can’t brush and floss it away anymore. If you notice tartar buildup along your gum line, then there’s a chance that some oral bacteria have already accumulated underneath your gums, as well.

Your gums look red and inflamed

Sometimes, you can see tartar buildup before your gums become infected enough to cause other signs. If you miss this buildup, then the bacteria can form tartar on your teeth’s roots and infect the gum tissues that surround them. You may notice signs of this infection in the form of your gum tissues becoming red, dark or discolored, and/or inflamed in certain areas. This is the result of different kinds of oral bacteria, including some that specifically incite excessive inflammation in your gums. If your gums seem red, angry-looking, or swollen, then it may be the early signs of gum infection.

Your gums bleed when you brush and floss

When gingivitis first starts to infect and irritate your gums, the tissues can start to look different. Yet, as the infection and inflammation become more severe, gingivitis can start to cause more significant damage to your gum tissues. This can lead to occasional gum bleeding pressure is applied to the diseased areas of your gums, such as when you’re brushing and flossing your teeth. The longer gingivitis and gum disease are allowed to progress, the more damage your gum tissues may experience.

Find out if you have gingivitis

If you notice these or other signs of trouble with your gum health, then it may be time to ask your dentist if you have gingivitis. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).