Gingivitis in Bakersfield, CA
Fight off the First Stage of Gum Disease
Are you suffering from swollen gums or bleeding gums? You may have gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Fortunately, with the right care, gingivitis is reversible. At our Bakersfield dental office, our experienced dentist wants to keep our patients well-informed about their conditions and offers personalized periodontal disease treatment.
To schedule your appointment at Gentle Family Dentistry, contact us today at 661-664-9900.
What Is Gingivitis?
As the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis affects the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It’s typically caused by poor oral hygiene practices that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden over time. Gingivitis can lead to more severe forms of gum disease, like early periodontitis, if left untreated, causing damage to the tissues and bones that support the teeth.
Gingivitis Symptoms
The symptoms of gingivitis can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Swollen Gums: Gingivitis often causes the gums to become swollen or puffy. This swelling is typically most noticeable along the gum line and may make the gums appear larger or more prominent than usual.
- Tender or Sensitive Gums: Affected gums may feel tender or sensitive to the touch. This tenderness can range from mild discomfort to more pronounced pain, especially when pressure is applied.
- Bleeding Gums: One of the most common signs of gingivitis is bleeding gums, particularly during brushing, flossing, or eating crunchy foods. The bleeding may range from slight pink traces on the toothbrush or floss to more substantial bleeding that persists over time.
- Redness or Discoloration: Gingivitis often causes the gums to take on a redder or darker hue than usual. Healthy gums typically have a pinkish color, so redness or discoloration can indicate inflammation and irritation.
- Receding Gums: As gingivitis progresses, the gums may recede or pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth’s surface. This can create a “long-tooth” appearance and may also lead to increased tooth sensitivity.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Bad breath (halitosis) is a common symptom of gingivitis due to the presence of bacteria and dental plaque in the mouth. Despite regular brushing and mouthwash use, the unpleasant odor may persist as long as the underlying gum inflammation remains untreated.
- Occasional Pus: In more advanced cases of gingivitis, pockets of pus may develop between the teeth and gums. This pus is a sign of infection and may be visible as small white or yellowish bumps along the gum line.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our dentist in Bakersfield as soon as possible by calling 661-664-9900.
Gingivitis Treatment Options
Improve Your Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene at home is essential for treating and preventing gingivitis. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Visit our dentist in Bakersfield for professional dental cleanings. Our dental hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing. Depending on your oral health, we may also recommend a deeper cleaning, such as scaling and root planing to reverse your gingivitis symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, stress, and poor dietary habits, can contribute to gingivitis and gum disease. Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and limiting sugary foods and beverages, can help improve gum health and prevent gingivitis from recurring.
Professional Dental Treatments
In some cases of advanced gingivitis, additional dental treatments may be necessary to address the underlying issues. This may include dental procedures such as gum surgery to remove diseased tissue or repair damaged gums, or the placement of dental crowns or bridges to restore damaged teeth.
Gingivitis Treatment Costs
Since gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, treatment costs are typically on the more affordable side. On average, you can expect to pay around $100 for gingivitis treatment.
However, this is just an estimate, and the actual cost can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The severity of your gingivitis: More advanced cases may require additional procedures, which will increase the cost.
- Your dentist’s location: Costs can vary depending on the geographic area.
- Your dentist’s experience: More experienced dentists may charge more.
- Your dental insurance: If you have dental insurance, it may cover some or all of the cost of treatment.
Complications of Gingivitis
When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to advanced gum disease or other serious health conditions. The inflammation caused by gingivitis can spread from gum tissue to the supporting structures of the teeth, such as the bone and ligaments, leading to a more advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis.
With untreated periodontal disease, patients may experience the destruction of the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place, leading to tooth loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms of early-stage gum disease symptoms, see our dental professional at Gentle Family Dentistry as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, gingivitis is not contagious. It’s a bacterial infection caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums, which is only created due to a lack of daily brushing and flossing.
While you can improve your oral hygiene habits at home, it’s important to schedule a professional dental cleaning to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. There are hard-to-reach areas of the mouth that can’t always be cleaned with regular brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits will help you avoid developing periodontal disease.
You can prevent gingivitis by practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Make sure to also schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth and gums.
Win the Battle Against Gingivitis at Gentle Family Dentistry!
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gingivitis, such as swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist in Bakersfield. Our dental team is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized care to help you prevent and treat periodontal diseases, as well as help you maintain good oral health.
Contact us today at 661-664-9900 to schedule your dental appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile.