Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease that causes the gums to be inflamed. If left untreated, it can lead to the loss of permanent teeth. Gingivitis is caused primarily by the buildup of plaque on your teeth, above and below the gum line. This disease is usually painless, so you may not realize that you have it. If you do experience any of the following symptoms, though, our dentist may test and examine you for periodontal (gum) disease.

• Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
• Inflamed and sore gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste that will not go away
• Gums that are receding from the teeth
• Deep pockets forming between the gums and the teeth
• Loose or drifting permanent teeth
• Changes in your bite

If you have gingivitis, a dental deep clean called scaling and root planing is typically the best form of treatment. During this deep cleaning procedure, Dr. Jim D. Nored, Dr. Hale McDaniel or Dr. Annette D. Gemp will use an ultrasonic scaling device to remove tartar, plaque and biofilm from the tooth surface and below the gum line. They will then smooth the tooth root to help the gums reattach to the teeth. Anything beyond this is surgical intervention; we use a laser to simplify this process.

To schedule your next non-surgical treatment for gingivitis in Crosby, Texas, contact Crosby Dental Center at 281-328-3569 today to meet with our dentists.