Gingiva means gums and -itis means inflamation so gingivitis means inflamed gums. Untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease with loss of teeth. Inflamed gum tissues are swollen and bleed easily. It is common in the US yet can be prevented easily by brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist at least two times a year for a professional cleaning and polishing. Since this problem is not painful many patients do not feel a need for treatment.

         Many bacteria live the mouth. When you eat, some of the food is digested by these bacteria to form a sticky colorless coating on the surface of your teeth. This film is dental plaque. Uncleaned, plaque hardens to form a rock hard white coating called calculus. Bacteria live in the calculus and secrete toxins and waste that irritate, inflame and swell the gums. The bleeding can cause bad breath and a metallic taste.

          Medical conditions can cause gingivitis. Pregnant women develop it so often that its called Pregnancy Gingivitis. Patients with diabetes do not fight infections well and often develop gum problems. As patients grow older, they make less saliva and which causes a dry mouth and inflamed gums and some medications cause a reduced saliva flow. Smoking reduces the gum's ability to heal and can lead to the development of gum problems

          The detection and treatment of gingivitis is simple. Visit your dentist for a regular dental cleaning and check up. Patients with gum problems should have three or four dental cleanings every year. If you are concerned about gingivitis, consider using an anti-plaque toothpaste with fluoride in it. Your dentist can prescribe a fluoride rinse that helps kill the bacteria in your mouth. In bad cases, the dentist may prescribe an antibiotic. The new sonic toothbrushes seem to be very promising. If you would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky, please feel free to make a cleaning appointment by calling 404-874-7428.