Is Gingivitis Worth Worrying About?

Until you develop a problem like gum disease, it doesn’t seem like the dangers of it are anything to be immediately concerned about. Unfortunately, you won’t always know the moment you develop gum disease, or recognize the signs that it’s already developing among your gum tissues. This is often because gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, doesn’t generate severe symptoms, and the signs that you might notice won’t always be as intense as they can later become. Today, we examine why gingivitis is something to worry about, and why you shouldn’t hesitate to seek treatment for it if you notice the early signs.

What gingivitis really means

When gingivitis develops, it’s the result of an excessive amount of oral bacteria accumulating along your gum line. As they do, some of these bacteria can slip underneath your gum tissues, where you’ll no longer be able to brush and floss them away. From underneath your gums, oral bacteria form plaque on the surfaces of your teeth roots, which quickly calcifies into tartar. These bacteria infect your gum tissues, causing them to become irritated and inflamed in the process. This forces your gums to separate slightly from your teeth, creating periodontal pockets where more bacteria can reside and exacerbate your gum disease.

Why it’s such a risk to your oral health

The progression of gingivitis from a minor gum infection to a more serious case of gum disease poses a serious risk to your oral health on several different fronts. For example, this progression involves the condition eroding more and more of your healthy gum tissues, which weakens their ability to support your teeth and protect their roots. In severe cases of gum disease, this can also impact the integrity of the bone structure of your dental ridge, increasing your risks of losing one or more teeth to gum disease.

If you’re showing the signs of gingivitis

If you notice early signs of gingivitis, such as slight redness in your gums or bleeding when you brush and floss, then it’s important to schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible. The early symptoms may seem minor, but that isn’t always an accurate gauge of how severe your condition is. The damage may already be extensive, and saving your smile could require immediate periodontal treatment and care.

Learn how to protect your smile from gingivitis

If you develop gingivitis, then the potential consequences it can have for your oral health are worth worrying about. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).