Do your gums bleed easily while brushing? This may be a sign of gingivitis! Gingivitis is one of the earliest stages of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, which is an infection of the tissues surrounding your teeth. Symptoms other than bleeding include gums are red, swollen or tender gums and bad breath!
Some people are at a higher risk of developing gingivitis than others. Factors include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Misaligned teeth that are hard to keep clean
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Certain medications (i.e. steroids, specific types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs and some oral contraceptives)
If you relate to any of these high-risk factors or you consume soda frequently, regular dental checkups are extremely important – mainly because gum disease is usually painless and you may not know you have it.
Gingivitis may sound scary, but there’s good news. At this stage, gum disease is still reversible if cared for correctly! The infection can be treated with a simple trip to our dentist office for a professional cleaning. And don’t forget, daily brushing and flossing help, too!
Fulp Family Dentistry is a full-service dental practice offering everything from routine dental cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign® and teeth whitening to fillings, dentures, implants and more. We service all of South Georgia including Tifton, Fitzgerald, Adel, Ocilla, Ashburn, and all surrounding areas. Drs. Nicole and Scott Fulp have been serving families in the area since 2009 in their state-of-the-art dental facility. Call us today for more information or to make an appointment.
Source: American Dental Association
