Gingivitis in Covington, GA

One of the consequences of bad oral hygiene habits is gum disease. The main cause of gum disease development is plaque build-up, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. It’s important to have regular dental exams so that these diseases are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Periodontal treatment can be the difference between losing and keeping your teeth.

How Periodontitis Develops

Periodontitis is a gum disease that can result in receding gums, loose teeth, and teeth and bone loss. Fortunately, with early treatment, it won’t get to the point of losing teeth. A good way to prevent the disease is by knowing how it develops.

The main cause of periodontitis is plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky substance created from food debris and saliva mixes to form a bacteria-laden film that coats the teeth after eating. Usually, brushing your teeth and flossing gets rid of most plaque, but if you don’t brush well or often, it hardens to form tartar.

Brushing and flossing don’t remove tartar, which is why you should regularly visit one of our dentists at Creative Dentistry of Covington in Covington, GA. They have the knowledge and start-of-the-art equipment for removing tartar and preventing gum diseases. The bacteria that causes plaque can also eat away at gums and lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Since gingivitis develops into periodontitis if not treated, some of the symptoms are the same. However, gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis is an infection of the gums. The common symptoms include:

• Tender, red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed while brushing or flossing
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain while chewing food
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth

Since gingivitis is an inflammation, the teeth are usually still firmly in their sockets if you have this condition. However, with periodontitis, the teeth, gums, and eventually, the bone beneath the teeth, the mandible, or jawbone, can be affected. Since it is an infection, areas of pus on the gums can develop as well.

Treatments for Periodontitis

The periodontal treatment that you receive will depend on the stage of the disease. If you have some of the symptoms above, call our offices to schedule an appointment with Creative Dentistry of Covington to visit one of our dentists in Covington, GA for an exam and evaluation of your teeth.