Gum Disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal (gum) disease and it is where the gums become inflamed. The main cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of plaque, the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth.

If plaque is not removed each day, the bacteria in plaque invade the space between the teeth and gums and begin producing toxins. These toxins irritate and inflame the gums, causing them to swell and bleed.

Symptoms of gingivitis:

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing/flossing.
• Gum swelling and redness.
• Gums are tender or painful to the touch.
• Shiny gums.
• Bad breath.

To determine whether you have gingivitis, we perform a thorough examination. We look for any changes in the shape, colour, and contour of the gums and bleeding in the gums upon probing.

The periodontal probe – Measures the pocket depths around a tooth in order to assess the progression and extent of gum disease.

Treatment

If we determine that you do have gingivitis, treatment always includes a professional cleaning, which removes plaque build-up from the teeth. The hygienist will be able to give you advice on the most effective techniques for brushing and the use of interdental aids, such as floss or tepe brushes.

Sometimes, additional steps are required. These could include using a disclosing solution regularly to determine where the plaque is and using an antibacterial rinse to help kill destructive bacteria. We may also need to set up more frequent hygienist visits to monitor the health of your gums.

It is important to catch and treat gingivitis early before it progresses and results in bone and tooth loss or periodontal disease.