gingivitis

Jan24

“If Your Gums Are Swollen And Sore, Call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry”

Categories: General Dentistry, Oral Health

Comstock Park Gum Disease Treatment

If you are a worried Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Walker, Sparta, Belmont or Rockford, MI  resident experiencing inflamed gums or an aching tooth, you’re not alone. About one third of U.S. adults are affected by tooth decay, according to the CDC, and gum disease plagues one in seven people age 35 to 40. Don’t ignore these symptoms, call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull take gingivitis seriously because left untreated it can lead to loss of bone and tissue that support the teeth.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. You will know you have it if your gums bleed easily and look red and swollen. If this condition is not reversed it can lead to periodontitis. With this condition your gums become loose and separate from the teeth forming cavities that can become infected. This can spread to the bone supporting the tooth. If this is damaged, the tooth can be lost. (If you have already lost a tooth to gum disease, ask us about dental implants.)

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry we recommend a minimum of twice daily brushing and flossing and regular dental cleanings to help help fight gingivitis. Our team has been treating gum disease and other dental problems for Michigan residents since 1974./p>
If you want your teeth to feel fresh and bright, come in for a cleaning and through examination. Don’t become a statistic, prevent gingivitis with a professional dental cleaning while we educate you how to best care for your teeth and gums year round.

Dr. Stewart, Dr. Hull and our staff offer quality general and cosmetic dental services including restorative dentistry, implant dentistry, Invisalign and Six Month Smiles.

Take care of your beautiful smile by calling Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry today. “Lighting Up Rooms One Smile At A Time.”

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan 49321
616-827-7019
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

1“Adult Oral Health,” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/topics/adult.htm, accessed on January 7, 2012

Jul26

What is Gingivitis?

Categories: Oral Health

Gingivitis is a type of periodontal disease in which only your gums are affected. Gingivitis, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), is a milder and often reversible type of periodontal disease. However, it can lead to periodontitis — a more destructive and serious disease — if proper professional treatment and home care aren’t put into place. No tissue damage or irreversible bone damage is present in the gingivitis stage of periodontal disease.

Many people with gingivitis won’t experience any discomfort, particularly in its early stage. However, as the bacteria in plaque builds up, it can cause your gums to become inflamed, which may make them red and swollen. You may also experience blood when brushing your teeth, indicates the American Academy of Periodontology.

Causes of Gingivitis
The most common cause of gingivitis occurs when plaque builds up due to inadequate oral hygiene.

Other less common causes of gingivitis include:

* diabetes
* aging
* smoking
* improper nutrition
* hormonal fluctuation
* stress
* pregnancy
* substance abuse
* certain medications
* genetic predisposition

Up to 30 percent of people in the United States may be susceptible genetically to gum disease or are six times more prone to developing gum disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Therefore, if one of your family members has gum disease, it may indicate that you have a higher risk of developing the condition as well. If you are one of these people who are more susceptible to developing gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings, check-ups, cleanings, and treatments.

Implications of Gingivitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In periodontitis, the bone and inside layer of your gum pulls away from your teeth, allowing small pockets to form. These small pockets are danger zones because they allow bacteria to collect, and can they can then become infected. As periodontitis progresses, these pockets deepen, resulting in even more bone loss and gum tissue damage. Eventually, teeth that were once anchored in place become loose. Tooth loss often follows.

Treatment of Gingivitis
In practically all cases, gingivitis can be reversed, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Treatment includes proper control of plaque, which consists of having a professional teeth cleaning, at least two times a year. It also includes daily teeth brushing, which will eliminate plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. You should also floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from in between your teeth.

Lifestyle and health changes may help decrease the risk of developing gingivitis or reduce its severity or progression. These lifestyle changes include stopping smoking, decreasing your stress, eating a well-balanced diet, and avoiding grinding and clenching of your teeth.