Gingiva means gums and -itis means inflamation so gingivitis means inflamed gums. If untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease with loss of teeth. The most common gingivitis symptom is swollen gum tissue that bleeds easily. It's common in the United States yet can be easily prevented by regular brushing and flossing and visiting the dentist two times a year for a cleaning and polishing. Since it's usually not painful, many patients do not sense a need for gingivitis treatment.

         There are many bacteria that live our mouths. When you eat, some of the food is digested by these bacteria and they form a sticky colorless film that coats the surface of your teeth. This film is called dental plaque. If left uncleaned, plaque will harden to form a rock hard white coating called calculus (tartar). Bacteria live in the calculus and secrete toxins and waste products that irritate, inflame and swell the gums and cause gingivitis.

          The bleeding from your gums can cause bad breath and an odd metallic taste in your mouth. Some medical conditions can cause it and many pregnant women develop Pregnancy Gingivitis. Patients with diabetes do not respond to bacterial infections well and often have gum inflammation. As patients grow older, they make less saliva and this can cause it. Some medications reduce saliva flow and result in gingival inflammation. Smoking reduces the gums ability to heal and can lead to the development of it.

          The detection and treatment is simple. Visit your dentist for a regular dental cleaning and check up. Patients with any predisposition should have 3 or 4 cleanings per year. If you are concerned, consider using an anti-plaque toothpaste with fluoride in it. Your dentist can prescribe a fluoride rinse , like Perio Med, that helps kill the bacteria in your mouth and reduces the chances of developing inflammation. With bad cases, the dentist may also prescribe a gingivitis antibiotic. The new sonic toothbrushes seem to be very promising. If you are concerned about gingivitis and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky or Dr. Smith about bleeding gums treatment, make a cleaning appointment by calling 404-874-7428.