Bidding Farewell to Gingivitis & Embracing Optimal Gum Health

Are you experiencing bad breath or swollen, bleeding gums? You might be dealing with gum disease. At the office of MK Dental Group, we offer comprehensive services aimed at helping our patients maintain excellent periodontal health.

Dental plaque is a sticky substance that constantly forms in your mouth and harbors bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. When this plaque accumulates between your teeth and gums, it can lead to an infection and inflammation of the periodontal tissues supporting your teeth.

The Early Stage of Gum Disease: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. While it may not cause any discomfort and often goes unnoticed, there are specific symptoms you should be aware of that indicate the onset of a problem. If your gums bleed when you brush, appear red and inflamed, or feel tender, then you likely have gingivitis.

Factors That Contribute to Gingivitis Include:

• Inadequate Oral Hygiene: Insufficient brushing and flossing can allow plaque to build up on your teeth and gums.
• Smoking & Tobacco Use: These habits weaken the immune system, making it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Certain Medical Conditions: Some diseases like diabetes can increase your risk of gum disease.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can make your gums more susceptible to gingivitis.
• Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking essential nutrients can compromise your immune system and contribute to gum disease.

Good News: Gingivitis Can Be Reversed!

The good news is that with proper care, you can eliminate gingivitis and restore your periodontal health. By treating gingivitis early in its development, you can prevent the tissue damage associated with more advanced stages of gum disease. Even though inflammation and an active disease process are present with gingivitis, the integrity of the periodontal tissues supporting your teeth remains intact.

At this stage, some simple steps can successfully reverse gingivitis and restore your periodontal health. Our office may recommend a series of deeper dental cleanings involving scaling and root planing, an improved oral hygiene regimen at home, and other non-surgical therapeutic measures to maintain your periodontal health.

The Consequences of Ignoring Gingivitis

On the flip side, if left untreated, gingivitis will progress to more advanced and challenging stages of gum disease. When this occurs, tissue damage ensues, leading to the formation of gingival pockets, gum recession, diminishing alveolar bone, and eventually, the loosening and loss of teeth. But with periodontal disease, it's not just about losing teeth or risking oral infections. Today, researchers are finding increasing links between periodontal disease and other medical conditions.

For all these reasons, timely treatment is essential. By making time to eat a healthy diet, practice good oral hygiene, and receive routine dental care, you can maintain your periodontal health, an attractive smile, and protect your overall well-being. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule an appointment.