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What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Gingivitis?

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A common form of minor gum disease, basically gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva, the area of the gums around the bottom of the teeth. As per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately half of all over the age of thirty have gingivitis and another form of gum disease. It mainly concerns since it can cause tooth loss and periodontics.

In this article, our team at Rosenthal Family Dentistry take the time to explore some of the common symptoms of gum disease, who would be a good candidate for treatment, and ways that you can prevent this disease from arising. 

Signs & Symptoms of Gingivitis - Rosenthal Family Dentistry

What Are The Signs & Symptoms of Gingivitis?

Usually led by poor dental hygiene, gingivitis can lead to several tell-tales symptoms. Some of the more common side effects of gum disease include the following:
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At Rosenthal Family Dentistry, our dental clinic in Sunrise, FL can provide solutions for your gum disease!

Who is at Risk for Gingivitis?

While gingivitis and gum diseaes can affect anyone at any time, there are factors which can lead a person to be more at risk for gingivitis. Some of those factors include:

How Can I Prevent Gingivitis?

As per the ADA, in the majority of the cases, people can avoid gum disease and gingivitis by consistently flossing and brushing. If a person suspects they may have gingivitis, he or she needs to schedule an appointment with their dentist.

To measure the health of the gums, the dentist will perform a comprehensive examination that includes the following steps:

  • Review the dental and medical history  
  • Determine if any existing health problems might be contributing 
  • Examine the gums, teeth, tongue, and mouth for signs of plaque and inflammation  
  • Measure the depth of the pockets amid the gums and teeth using a dental probe 
  • Take X-rays to examine deeper pockets and bone loss  

 

In case, if it’s not clear what is leading the gingivitis, the dentist might recommend one to seek a thorough medical checkup to look for other health problems. If the gums disease is extremely severe, the dentist will refer one to a periodontist.  

How Can I Avoid Gingivitis?

Furthermore, practicing good dental hygiene, one can minimize the risk of progressing gingivitis by:

  • Brushing teeth after having meal when possible 
  • Replacing the toothbrush in every two, three months 
  • Using an electronic toothbrush instead of manual is better 
  • Use a toothbrush with extra and soft-bristles  
  • Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco  
  • Limiting sugary foods  


Along with these, people need to visit the dentist for regular checkups in order to identify the 
initial stages of gingivitis prior to it progresses to severe gum disease. 

Contact Rosenthal Family Dentistry in Sunrise, FL

If you believe that you are suffering from gingivitis, we can help! At Rosenthal Family Dentistry, our team of dental professionals is experienced in offering a variety of dental solutions for any issue, including those who may be at different stages of gum disease. Our team has also proudly served families since 1981!

Contact Rosenthal Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists in Sunrise, FL today! We look forward to meeting you!

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What Are the 4 Stages of Gum Disease?

Signs & Symptoms of Gingivitis - Rosenthal Family Dentistry

According to a study, approximately half of the Americans thirty years old or above, develop some kind of periodontal disease.

The symptoms can range from a slight illness along with a hollow pocket formation near the teeth to serious health issues including loss of bone and systemic inflammation. In case of severe health issues, it is always better to take notice earlier so that you can prevent developing any health-related complications such as bone loss or cardiovascular disease.

The culprit behind periodontal disease is oral plaque. It is a bacterial biofilm with a complicated structure, and it has a high defensive mechanism against antimicrobial agents. Plaques release inflammatory cytokines and enzymes from cells that are responsible for maintaining immunity and tend to break down periodontal ligament, a tissue that keeps teeth in their place.

Periodontal Comparison - Rosenthal Family Dentistry
Periodontal Comparison - Rosenthal Family Dentistry

What Are The 4 Stages of Periodontal Disease?

To be more precise, periodontal disease can have several stages:
Stage 1: Healthy Gums
This age is barely noticeable. The gingival sulcus, where the tooth meets the gum, is approximate 2mm. Bleeding and inflammation do not occur at this stage.
Stage 2: Gingivitis
Inflammation occurs with the building of plaque under gingival sulcus. The plaque releases toxins that affect the immune system and results in sore and swollen gums that bleed easily on contact. At this age, the gingival sulcus is about 3mm. Having bad breath and bad taste in the mouth is very usual.
Stage 3: Mild Periodontal Disease
At this stage, the gap between gums and teeth gets larger and creates visible pockets. With a depth of 6mm, the gingival sulcus makes tooth cleaning extremely difficult. Calculus forming inside the pockets starts damaging the connective tissues that hold the teeth in their place.

There’s a higher risk of tooth loss at this stage. To prevent further damage, aggressive cleaning options are used, and to slow down the tissue loss, antibiotics like doxycycline are consumed.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontal Disease
The final stage holds significant damage such as tooth loss and bone loss. The pockets create more space between gums and the teeth. The damaged teeth might require removal and bone loss is compensated through surgical grafts.

Some studies suggest that periodontal disease can also be linked to the development of heart disease, one of the most common diseases afflicting people around the world. It is therefore important to take preventative steps as early as possible to mitigate any issues in the future!

Contact Rosenthal Family Dentistry in Sunrise, FL

If you believe that you are suffering from gum disease, we can help! At Rosenthal Family Dentistry, our team of dental professionals is experienced in offering a variety of dental solutions for any issue, including those who may be at different stages of gum disease. Our team has also proudly served families since 1981!

Contact Rosenthal Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists in Sunrise, FL today! We look forward to meeting you!

Rosenthal Family Dentistry in Sunrise, FL