Wave Goodbye to Gingivitis & Embrace Radiant Periodontal Health

Are you experiencing bad breath or swollen, tender gums? You may be suffering from gum disease. At the office of MK Dental Group, we offer comprehensive services designed to help our patients achieve and maintain optimal periodontal health.

Dental plaque, a sticky film that constantly forms in your mouth, harbors the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. When left unchecked, this plaque can accumulate between your teeth and gums, leading to infection and inflammation of your periodontal tissues.

Gingivitis: The First Stage of Gum Disease

The initial stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Although it may not cause any significant discomfort, there are specific signs that indicate the onset of this condition. If you notice your gums bleed when you brush, appear red and inflamed, or feel tender, you likely have gingivitis.

Factors That Contribute to Gingivitis Include:

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

The Good News: Gingivitis Can Be Reversed!

With proper care, you can successfully eliminate gingivitis and restore your periodontal health. By treating gingivitis early in its development, you can avoid the tissue damage associated with more advanced stages of gum disease. Although inflammation and an active disease process are present during gingivitis, the underlying structures supporting your teeth remain intact.

In this stage, some simple steps can effectively 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 and enhance your periodontal health.

What Happens When Gum Disease Goes Untreated?

On the flip side, if left untreated, gingivitis will unfortunately progress to more advanced stages of gum disease. As this occurs, tissue damage can occur, 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 more than just the potential for oral infections and tooth loss. Researchers are increasingly finding links between periodontal disease and other medical conditions.

For all these reasons, timely and effective care is essential. By making a commitment to eat a healthy diet, practice good oral hygiene, and visit our office for routine dental care, you can maintain your periodontal health, enjoy an attractive smile, and protect your overall well-being.

Don't let gum disease take control of your oral health. Visit the office of MK Dental Group today to learn more about our comprehensive services designed to help you achieve and maintain optimal periodontal health. Contact us now to schedule an appointment!