Gingivitis and periodontitis are different types of gum disease. Gingivitis is a relatively minor inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis generally refers to more advanced gum disease. Any symptoms of gum disease should be reported to your dentist right away. If you believe you might have gingivitis or periodontitis, Dr. Nicholas Kemp, your dentist serving downtown Toronto, can help. [pullquote]The best treatment for gum disease is prevention.[/pullquote]

Symptoms of Gingivitis

In some cases, it can be difficult to determine if you have gum disease. Your dentist can determine if there are problems with your gums during your regular dental exams. Between exams, you should be aware of any unusual symptoms that might indicate gum disease or inflammation.

Some symptoms that you might be suffering from gum disease include:

  • Puffiness in your gums
  • Bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth
  • A shininess or purplish tint in the gums

In addition, your dentist can diagnose gum disease by measuring the pockets between your teeth and gums. If these pockets are too deep, it means the gums have become inflamed and are pulling away from the teeth. Without treatment, gum disease could become severe, requiring surgical treatment or leading to tooth loss.

Treatment for Gum Disease

In early stages, gingivitis is relatively easy to treat. Your dentist might recommend a baking soda toothpaste or other special toothpaste or mouthwash to reduce the inflammation. In more advanced cases, you might require treatment with antibiotics. When gum disease becomes severe, your dentist might recommend deep cleaning and scaling around the teeth and tooth roots, or even surgery to remove severely infected tissue.

The best treatment for gum disease is prevention. By brushing and flossing regularly, you can keep your gums healthy and prevent development of gingivitis or periodontitis. Always be sure your dentist is aware of any unusual symptoms or problems with your gums. For more information about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent gum disease, please call Nicholas Kemp Dentistry at 416.922.1012.