Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. If you suffer from gingivitis, you may have some of these symptoms:
- Swollen, red, and irritated gum tissue
- Bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing or mouth rinse
- Bleeding during brushing and flossing
If you notice these symptoms, it's a good time for you to reach out to your dentist to arrange a booking for a teeth clean and exam. If you have gingivitis, your dentist can help you manage your condition with a thorough, professional clean and improve your home care routine. Sometimes, patients can even reverse their condition at this stage.
Understanding Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. In this stage, you may notice tooth mobility, pain and tenderness when chewing, and changes to your bite.
Periodontitis requires a deeper cleaning to remove the plaque and bacteria build-up below the gumline, which is causing the infection. Our dentists may also suggest antibiotic therapy or surgery for severe periodontitis.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for gum disease, but our Charlestown dentists can help you manage your condition and keep it at bay by providing additional cleanings throughout the year to remove plaque and bacteria.
We welcome your call to Charlestown Dental Care if you have questions about gum disease.