Tempe Periodontics

What Is Gingivitis?: Gum diseases in Chandler, AZ can be unpleasant, but you can prevent gingivitis from turning into periodontal disease by understanding the condition and its causes. The more you know about gingivitis, the better prepared you will be to maintain healthy gums. Watch this video to find out what exactly gingivitis is.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which occurs when your gums recede from your teeth. You might notice swelling, tenderness, and even bleeding of the gums when you brush or floss your teeth. If you want to make sure your gingivitis gets better instead of worse, be sure to practice proper dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and avoid snacking in between meals. You should also be aware that using to***co products can aggravate the symptoms of gingivitis and help it develop into periodontal disease. See your dentist as soon as you notice symptoms of gingivitis.

What Is Gingivitis? If you are experiencing pain in your gums, you will want to visit your dentist in order to have them prevent your gingivitis turning into periodontal disease.

The Relationship Between Pregnancy and Gum Disease: As your periodontal dentist in Chandler, AZ will tell you, having healthy gums is essential for maintaining your oral health. For this reason, it is important to be aware of factors that can increase your risk for periodontal disease. Read on to learn about the link between pregnancy and gum disease.

Oral Hygiene and Gum Disease

First, it is important to understand what causes gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis develops when bacteria in the form of plaque and tartar build up on teeth and along the gum line. The bacteria irritate and infect the gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed, red in color, and sensitive. A person with gingivitis may also have gums that bleed when they floss or brush their teeth, or when they eat food with rough edges. Twice daily brushing is often sufficient for both preventing and reversing gingivitis. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more serious stages of gum disease.

Pregnancy Hormones and Gum Disease

When you are pregnant, many changes occur in your body, and some of the most notable ones are the fluctuations in your hormone levels. Women who are pregnant experience increased progesterone levels. Some types of bacteria that lead to gingivitis thrive under these conditions, and higher progesterone levels can also make your gums more sensitive to plaque. For these reasons, pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing gingivitis, and may experience more severe symptoms if they already suffer from gum disease.

Prevention of Gum Disease During Pregnancy Because of their fluctuating hormone levels, many women develop gingivitis at some point during their pregnancy. Typically, symptoms like bleeding, reddened, and inflamed gums begin between the 2nd and 8th month. The most important step for you to take to prevent gum disease during this time is to practice good oral hygiene and to keep up with twice-yearly dental check-ups and cleanings. If you notice signs of gum disease despite taking these preventive measures, then consider seeing a dental professional for an exam and treatment.

The Relationship Between Pregnancy and Gum Disease If you are pregnant near Chandler, AZ, you will want to visit your dentist to learn about how you can take care of your oral hygiene in order to prevent gum disease.