Ask the Cosmetic Dentist in Arizona: What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis, explains the cosmetic dentist in Arizona, is essentially inflammation of the gums, the ‘gingiva,’ and is generally a result of a bacterial infection. Gingivitis is perhaps best known for causing bad breath, which has to do with the wastes produced by the bacteria found in plaque and tartar. These are high in sulfurous compounds. While gingivitis is not in itself destructive, untreated it does lead to acute and chronic oral bacterial infections, which in turn cause a whole variety of terrible symptoms, including tooth loss and the need for dental implants, warns the cosmetic dentist in Arizona.

Cosmetic Dentist in Arizona: Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

One of the biggest problems with gingivitis is that it doesn’t tend to cause any pain, says the cosmetic dentist in Arizona. As a result, patients may not notice they have an oral problem that could be causing bad breath, bleeding of the gums when brushing and potentially, tooth loss and the need for dental implants! As such, it’s important for everyone to take note of the signs and symptoms of gingivitis. Should you present with one or more of the following symptoms consult your dentist immediately for treatment:

• Red and inflamed gums,
• Swollen gums,
• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, says the cosmetic dentist in Arizona,
• Bad breath,
• Tooth discoloration,
• Gums that have receded abnormally from the crowns of the teeth,
• The visible accumulation of plaque and tartar between the teeth,
• The gums can also be tender or sensitive to the touch.

Cosmetic Dentist in Arizona: What You Can Do to Avoid the Need for Dental Implants

In most cases, gingivitis can be resolved with a proper home oral hygiene routine. What you essentially have is a bacterial infection in your mouth; keep your teeth and gums clean and you can help your mouth to heal, saving you from potentially needing dental implants!

• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a time.
• Brush your teeth at least three times a day, half an hour after meals.
• Floss twice a day, says the cosmetic dentist in Arizona; in the morning and before you go to bed at night.
• Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash to really gain the upper edge on the micro-organisms populating your gums, advises the cosmetic dentist in Arizona.
• If it has been more than six months since your last appointment with the dentist and oral hygienist, schedule an appointment immediately.

Ask the Cosmetic Dentist in Arizona: What Causes Gingivitis?

In 1999, two primary categories of gingivitis were categorized at the 1999 World Workshop in Clinical Periodontics:

1.Gingival disease caused by dental plaque. These are further divided into the following sub-categories, says the cosmetic dentist in Arizona:

i.Gingivitis caused only by plaque,

ii. Gingivitis caused by systemic factors,

iii. Gingivitis caused by malnutrition,

iv. Gingivitis caused by medication.

2.Gingival disease not caused by dental plaque. These are further divided into the following sub-categories, says the cosmetic dentist in Arizona:

i. Gingival diseases caused by a specific bacterium,

ii. Gingival diseases caused by a specific fungus,

iii. Gingival diseases caused by a specific virus,

iv. Gingival diseases caused by genetic factors,

v. Gum inflammations caused by systemic conditions,

vi. Gum inflammations caused by reactions to foreign bodies,

vii. Gum inflammations caused by traumatic lesions,

viii. Gum inflammations without known causes.

3.Other causes of gingivitis include:

i. Fluctuating hormones, such as during pregnancy, puberty and menopause.

ii. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, HIV and cancer, says the cosmetic dentist in Arizona

iii. Certain medications, especially those that impede saliva flow, such as the anti-convulsant Dilantin and some anti-angina medications.

iv. Smoking

v. A family history

A Final Note from the Cosmetic Dentist in Arizona

If you suspect that you may have gingivitis, then contact the cosmetic dentist in Arizona immediately to have your oral health assessed. In addition to the impact of this condition on the appearance of your smile and unpleasant symptoms such as bad breath and tooth discoloration, it can lead to gum disease, tooth loss and the need for dental implants.

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