It’s estimated by the American Dental Association that 47% of adults over 30 years of age, have some degree of gum disease. Hardened tartar at the gum line is the primary cause of gum disease. However other risk factors, like tobaccos use, alcohol consumption, and medical conditions like dry mouth or diabetes also increase your chances of developing gum disease.

Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease. It often results when plaque and residual food particles are not effectively removed during the twice daily brushing and flossing of your teeth. These substances then harden into tartar, thus exposing your gum tissues to a constant bacterial presence, which leads to inflammation.

The early symptoms of gingivitis include gums that bleed easily from brushing and flossing, as well as bad breath and red or inflamed looking gums.

If gingivitis is caught early, Dr. Patrick L. Huston, DDS, MSD can perform an extensive cleaning procedure to remove all traces of hardened tartar. Then he can help you make the necessary improvements to your oral hygiene routine. In many cases, this can effectively reverse the effects of gingivitis and help you prevent future occurrences.

If you are concerned that you might be developing gingivitis, you should call Dr. Patrick L. Huston, DDS, MSD at 714-795-3117 to explore your treatment options.