Gingivitis Treatment in Rockville
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease and should not be left untreated. If you are looking for gingivitis treatment in Rockville, please contact Hackley DDS. We proudly offer this, and many other services to help keep your smile healthy and happy!
What is Gingivitis?
Also known as periodontal disease, gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease. It causes redness, swelling, irritation, and bleeding of your gingiva. This is the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. It’s important to treat gingivitis promptly because it can lead to more serious gum disease and tooth loss.
Symptoms
Healthy gums look pale pink and are firm. They fit firmly around the teeth. Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Tender gums
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bright red or dark red gums
- Gums that are darker than usual
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- Bad breath
Causes
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. This allows plaque to form on teeth which causes swelling of the surrounding gum tissues. If plaque isn’t removed everyday by brushing, it turns to tartar. This can happen below the gumline as well.
If tartar stays on the teeth, it can trap bacteria and irritate the gumline. Tartar is also harder to remove and requires a professional cleaning. The longer the plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva. In time, the gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis.
Am I at a Higher Risk?
Anyone can get gingivitis, but factors that increase your risk include:
- Poor oral care habits
- Crooked teeth that are hard to clean
- Dry mouth
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Older age
- Poor nutrition
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, birth control pills, menstrual cycles
- Medical conditions like viral and fungal infections
- Certain genes
Gingivitis Treatment in Rockville
If you see symptoms of gingivitis, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of reversing damage from gingivitis and preventing periodontitis. Contact Hackley DDS today for an appointment!
