WHAT IS GINGIVITIS? Symptoms of gingivitis Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, is inflammation of the gums. It is often the first stage of periodontal disease. Some of the warning symptoms of gingivitis include: bleeding when brushing or flossing redness where the gums & tooth meet swollen gums bad breath Cause of gum disease Gingivitis usually begins when plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria and food particles that constantly forms on your teeth, is not cleaned away every day. It is hard to see plaque, but a harmless dye stains it red. When plaque stays on your teeth for two or three days, it can harden into tartar. Tartar can irritate your gums and lead to gingivitis. Gum disease can also be caused by certain medical conditions, some medications, trauma, smoking or chewing tobacco. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can contribute to gum disease. Examination To determine if you have gingivitis, we examine your mouth and look for red, swollen or bleeding gums. Because gingivitis can advance to periodontal disease, we may take x-rays to check your bone level. We may also check the depth of the sulcus around each tooth. A sulcus is the tiny groove between the case of the visible part of your tooth and the gum. Treatment If you have gingivitis, we thoroughly clean your teeth and may schedule you for more frequent cleanings. We may also suggest a special mouthwash or rinse and discuss your homecare technique. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. The sooner we catch it, the better chance you have of keeping your smile for a lifetime. New Patients Always Welcome Bremen Family Dentistry Dr. Doug Tolle, DDS Bremen Family Dentistry, PC 1712 W. Plymouth St. Bremen, IN 46506 574-546-2851 BremenFamilyDentistry.com WHAT IS GINGIVITIS? Symptoms of gingivitis Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, is inflammation of the gums. It is often the first stage of periodontal disease. Some of the warning symptoms of gingivitis include: bleeding when brushing or flossing redness where the gums & tooth meet swollen gums bad breath Cause of gum disease Gingivitis usually begins when plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria and food particles that constantly forms on your teeth, is not cleaned away every day. It is hard to see plaque, but a harmless dye stains it red. When plaque stays on your teeth for two or three days, it can harden into tartar. Tartar can irritate your gums and lead to gingivitis. Gum disease can also be caused by certain medical conditions, some medications, trauma, smoking or chewing tobacco. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can contribute to gum disease. Examination To determine if you have gingivitis, we examine your mouth and look for red, swollen or bleeding gums. Because gingivitis can advance to periodontal disease, we may take x-rays to check your bone level. We may also check the depth of the sulcus around each tooth. A sulcus is the tiny groove between the case of the visible part of your tooth and the gum. Treatment If you have gingivitis, we thoroughly clean your teeth and may schedule you for more frequent cleanings. We may also suggest a special mouthwash or rinse and discuss your homecare technique. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. The sooner we catch it, the better chance you have of keeping your smile for a lifetime. New Patients Always Welcome Bremen Family Dentistry Dr. Doug Tolle, DDS Bremen Family Dentistry, PC 1712 W. Plymouth St. Bremen, IN 46506 574-546-2851 BremenFamilyDentistry.com