Gingivitis is a very common, mild form of gum disease. If you have gingivitis, the part of your gums around the base of your teeth is developing a mild infection due to poor oral health management. When gingivitis is ignored, the condition can develop into more serious gum disease, or tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

How do I know if I have gingivitis?

If your gums are healthy, they should be firm and a light pink. They should also be snug on your teeth and not be receding. With that in mind, here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of gingivitis or more sever gum diseases:

• Bad breath
• Dark red gums
• Tender gums
• Puffy or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums (especially when you brush and floss)
• Receding gum line

If you notice any of these signs, you likely have mild gum disease. In that event, make an appointment with your Houston dentist right away. Catching gingivitis early helps immensely with curbing its progress and keeping your mouth as healthy as possible.

What causes gingivitis?

Plaque accumulation and tartar buildup is the main culprit in the onset of gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. Poor oral hygiene habits allow bacteria-laden plaque to build up in your mouth and cause infection in the soft tissues.

Plaque can easily be removed with routine brushing and flossing. At Dentistry of Highland Village, you can get professional dental cleanings to remove hardened plaque and calculus buildup.

Here are some other factors that elevate your risk of developing gingivitis:

• Smoking tobacco
• Age (the older you are the likelier you are to get it)
• Genetics
• Stress
• Poor diet
• Obesity
• Certain medications
• Teeth grinding

How do you treat gingivitis?

The team at Dentistry of Highland Village can easily manage the effects and symptoms of gingivitis with in-office treatments. They provide a variety of gum disease therapy options and make recommendations depending on the severity of your condition.

If you have mild to moderate gum disease, our Houston dentists offer scaling and root planing as a first line of defense. This procedure is a  deep cleaning that works to eradicate harmful bacteria within the deep pockets below the gumline of the affected and infected areas of the gums. This process is vital in restoring your smile. We also offer proper antibiotics to prevent the progression of any type of gum disease.

Call or use the online booking tool today and set up an appointment to begin treatment if you notice symptoms of gum disease.