Gingivitis. In the first stage of periodontitis, called gingivitis, you may notice red, swollen gums and bad breath. Gums might also bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis, which is reversible, can be treated by improving at-home dental care and visiting your dentist regularly for treatment.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
Your gums begin to form “pockets,” deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap food, plaque, and bacteria. Your gums will recede and form gaps between your teeth. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and tooth loss.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include: Swollen or puffy gums. Dusky red or dark red gums. Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
Gingivitis is sometimes mistaken for periodontitis and vice versa. They are both stages of periodontal disease.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you notice that your gums frequently bleed, whether it's during flossing or brushing, it may be a sign that you have gingivitis. In some cases, gingivitis causes no symptoms or only minor symptoms, such as redness and swelling.
Use a mouth rinse to help reduce plaque between your teeth. Supplement brushing and flossing with an interdental cleaner, such as a dental pick, interdental brush or dental stick specially designed to clean between your teeth. Get regular professional dental cleanings on a schedule recommended by your dentist.
Gingivitis. In the first stage of periodontitis, called gingivitis, you may notice red, swollen gums and bad breath. Gums might also bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis, which is reversible, can be treated by improving at-home dental care and visiting your dentist regularly for treatment.
Yellow: A slight yellow tint or film on your gums is an indicator of gingivitis. Gingivitis is usually accompanied by inflamed and swollen gums. This condition is common and can be remedied with a visit to the dentist and improved oral care.
Over time, untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. So, how long does it take for gum disease to develop? One study found that if you're starting from level 1 gingivitis, it takes an average of 66.8 weeks, which is a little over 15 months, to develop into periodontitis.
Gingivitis treatments can cause gum and tooth sensitivity, but it should subside in a couple of days. Symptoms of gingivitis should go away within two weeks of a successful gums treatment.
You should see a dentist or periodontist if you think you may have gum disease. It does not go away on its own and can get worse with time. Treating it in earlier stages can help you avoid discomfort from worsening symptoms or avoid a procedure.
The time it takes to get rid of the bacteria that cause gum disease depends on how serious the infection is. Mild cases of gingivitis can be treated through daily brushing and flossing, and bleeding may stop within a week or so as the inflamed gums settle down.
If you notice your gums are bleeding, either due to gingivitis or oral trauma, contact an emergency dentist immediately for a consultation. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums and recommend suitable treatment to stop the bleeding and treat gum disease.
Signs include increased swelling or redness of the gums, bad breath, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and probing depths that are between four and five millimeters. 3. Like slight periodontal disease, the third stage of periodontal disease (moderate periodontal disease)cannot be reversed.
Your once straight smile could suddenly appear crooked, and gaps, crowding, and bite issues may result. The teeth may become so loose that they fall out altogether or require extraction because there is no longer enough supportive structures to keep them in place.
Gingivitis is best treated by prevention first – practicing good oral hygiene will help reduce your risk of infection and keep you out of the doctor's chair. Brushing twice a day, using an electric toothbrush, flossing at least once a day, and using antiseptic mouthwash will do a lot to combat gingivitis.
When it comes to helping prevent or treat gingivitis, especially in its early stages, using a specialized toothpaste as part of your oral health routine can make a difference. Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum is specifically formulated to relieve tooth sensitivity and improve gum health at the same time.
Crest Gum Detoxify and Pro-Health Advanced
Crest has a range of Gum Detoxify toothpastes specially formulated to prevent gingivitis by targeting the gum line, where millions of microbes can accumulate. This Crest line also penetrates hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and can reverse initial stages of gum disease.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Treatment Time for Gingivitis
But for those with gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, the average time it takes for gingivitis to go away is about 10 to 14 days after your treatment, along with proper oral healthcare. Keep in mind that there are many, many factors that can change the timeline.
Red Gums: Red gums, or gums that are deeply pink, often indicate an infection. Bright red gums may be highly sensitive, and they may bleed when you brush and floss. Yellow Gums: A slight yellow tint or film on your gums indicates gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
As the present study has shown that mouth rinses (Listerine and Chlorhexidine) were “at least as good as” dental floss in antigingival efficacy, they can be recommended for the patients with gingivitis as an adjunctive to usual home care routine.
It's best to avoid or limit acidic items. Almost all sugary items are bad news for your teeth and gums. Sugary items promote the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, worsening gum recession or causing decay. Avoid donuts, candy, energy drinks, cake, and chocolate.
Gingivitis occurs in 3 out of 4 of Americans during their lifetime, but with proper dental care early on, it's easily reversed. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more severe form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.