Does Gingivitis Have any Symptoms?

Healthy gum tissue helps anchor and protect your teeth. They are firm, pink, and they fit tightly around the crown of the tooth much like a turtleneck fits tightly around a person’s neck. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and recognizing the first symptoms can ensure you get treatment earlier.

Gingivitis is rarely painful, but that does not mean that it has no symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Gums that bleed, especially when you are brushing or flossing
• Puffy and swollen gums
• Soft gums
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from teeth
• Red or purple gums
• Bad breath that does not go away with improved brushing and flossing
• Tenderness in the gum tissue

Regular dental checkups are one of the best ways to catch the disease before a symptom of gingivitis becomes noticeable and the issue develops further. A professional cleaning will remove the tartar and plaque that cause the disease so that your gums can heal, while improved dental hygiene will prevent reinfection. In some cases, a deep cleaning procedure may be necessary.

Earlier treatment will improve your chances of a positive outcome and reduce the risks of gingivitis becoming periodontitis. Call us to schedule your periodontics appointment.