What your dentists in Rockville want you to know

Gingivitis is a common and reversible problem. To reverse gingivitis, you need to practice good oral hygiene habits daily. Dr. Mehr Tucker in Rockville, MD want to share what to look for and how to reverse gingivitis.

Gingivitis is inflammation of your gum tissue, caused by plaque bacteria. The pasty white stuff on your teeth is actually a live bacterial colony containing millions of harmful microscopic bacteria. These bacteria can produce toxins which eat away at tough tooth enamel, causing a cavity. The bacteria also cause gum inflammation or gingivitis.

Some common signs and symptoms of gingivitis to look for include:

• Gum redness or swelling
• Pain or bleeding when you brush or chew
• Chronic bad breath
• Chronic sour taste in your mouth

You can deal with gingivitis by following a few simple tasks every day. Remember to:

Brush after you eat and before you go to bed. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush in a gentle, circular motion on each tooth surface and along the gumline.

Floss at least once every day. Use a single piece of floss or floss picks to wrap around each tooth as you go down in between your teeth. Floss each area between each tooth.

Don’t forget to visit your dentist for an exam and x-rays at least yearly, and your dental hygienist at least twice each year for a professional cleaning. Your dentist and dental hygienist will monitor your gums to make sure they are healthy.

Healthy gum tissue should look light pink and firm, with no swelling or redness. You should also not have bleeding when you brush or floss. If you think you might have gingivitis, begin a program of regular brushing and flossing immediately.

It’s important to remember that gingivitis can progress to gum disease and eventually to periodontal disease if left untreated. Periodontal disease affects the bone surrounding your teeth, causing your teeth to become loose. The bone loss due to periodontal disease is not reversible; it can only be managed.

To get started on a program of better oral health, call the experts, Dr. Tucker in Rockville, MD. Don’t wait for your gingivitis to become a more serious problem, call (301) 963-8900 or email at [email protected] today!