Periodontal Gum Disease in Birmingham, AL
Periodontal Gum Disease Gingivitis
Dr. Maddux Discusses The Disease Gingivitis
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease, forming when the gums first become infected with bacteria.
It is often times called the silent disease because very few symptoms if any show during this stage of gum disease and can go undetected.
Dr. Maddux is able to detect this form of gum disease early on by checking for signs of infection.
Many people will develop some degree of gingivitis during their lifetime, and early detections is very important to ensure the gingivitis is cured before progressing into periodontitis.
Some symptoms of gingivitis that may be present include:
- Noticing your gums have begun to bleed (bleeding gums) during brushing or flossing
- Your gums might feel sore or tender
- You may notice your gums and begin to look red or perhaps a little bit swollen (swollen gums)
- You might develop bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away with regular brushing and flossing
These symptoms can be easy to ignore, but it is important not to.
Dr. Maddux Discusses The Disease Gingivitis
What Causes
Gingivitis?
Failing to brush and floss regularly is the most common cause of gingivitis. Simply doing this can significantly aid in preventing gum disease.
Not brushing and flossing enables bacteria to build to levels in the mouth that your body is unable to control with its immune system. Initial bacteria will form a sticky layer of plaque that can easily be brushed away, but if the bacteria hardens into calculus or tartar, it will require professional cleanings to be scraped away.
Gingivitis will begin to develop when a permanent presence of tartar inflames the gums.
Dr. Maddux treats gingivitis often and it can be easily cleared up and your gums will return to their healthy form if detected early. If you ignore common symptoms, the gingivitis will continue to develop into periodontitis, which requires heavier treatment and in some cases be chronic resulting in tooth loss.
Common Homecare
Solutions
It’s extremely important to follow Dr. Maddux’s advice of flossing and brushing, even though thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth each day is likely to make your gums bleed a little.
The fact that they are still bleeding shows they are still infected and the best way to get rid of this is to persevere with twice daily brushing and once a day flossing.
Over time, you will begin to notice your gums bleeding less frequently until they stop bleeding altogether and look and feel healthy, firm, and strong. Practicing good oral hygiene at home every single day can improve gum healthy in a few weeks and will ensure the disease does not return.
