Gingivitis in Ballwin, MO

Gingivitis is an infection in your gums, typically noted by bleeding when you're flossing or you're brushing.

Gingivitis is different from periodontitis. People say that gingivitis is the starter. Let's clarify this: Yes, gingivitis is different from periodontitis. Gingivitis is an infection in your gums, typically caused by not brushing and flossing. When left untreated, it leads to periodontitis, which is bone loss.

The first symptoms of gingivitis are typically bleeding and inflammation when you're brushing and flossing.

Gingivitis can be very dangerous if it's left untreated. Gingivitis starts as an infection in your gums. If left untreated, it becomes periodontitis, which is an infection in your bone. When you get an infection in your bone, you get bone loss around your teeth, which means you're losing support.

You can't necessarily have gingivitis and periodontitis at the same time. Gingivitis is an infection in your gums that can lead to periodontitis, which is an infection in the bone.

Dentists treat gingivitis by properly cleaning the teeth. Sometimes that means having you come in for more frequent recalls than every six months.

How long it takes to cure gingivitis really depends on you and your home care. We can only do so much. We get your teeth clean, but at home you have to be brushing twice a day, flossing every day and using mouthwash to help prevent gingivitis.

If you suspect you may have gingivitis, schedule an appointment right away. You don't want it to progress and get any worse and cause periodontitis.

If you have any further questions or if you think you are suffering from gingivitis, don't hesitate. Give us a call at (636) 434-1244.