Gingivitis, which is also called gum disease, is an infection that attacks the gums and bone that surround and support your teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can cause tooth loss. Gingivitis is caused by the formation of plaque on your teeth, above and below the gum line. Gum disease is usually painless, so you may not know that you have it. If you experience any of the following symptoms, Dr. R. Erik Cantwell may treat gingivitis in West Jordan, Utah:
• Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
• Inflamed gums
• Bad breath or bad taste that will not go away
• Receding gums
• Deep pockets forming between your teeth and gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in your bite
When a patient has gingivitis, our dentist may recommend extra teeth cleaning appointments. Our hygienist will clean all of the teeth of plaque and tartar. If this is not sufficient, our dentist may perform scaling and root planing. During this deep cleaning process, your teeth will be cleaned of plaque and tartar, above and below the gum line. Your tooth roots will then be smoothed to make it difficult for plaque to adhere to them. This also gives your gums a clean surface to reattach to.
Feel free to contact Copper Ridge Dental today to learn more and to schedule your next appointment.
