Gum Treatments in Montgomery, AL
At the office of Dr. Steve C. Davis, DMD, we're proud to provide expert periodontal treatments to patients of all ages throughout the greater Montgomery, AL area. Our practice places a focus on comprehensive, personalized treatment, and we work with you to make your treatment fit into your lifestyle – not the other way around. While much of our treatments focus on maintaining healthy teeth, the health of your gums is equally important to your smile, and preventing gingivitis is one of the most important parts of gum health.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease is a progressive condition that all adults are at risk for, and the first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when bacteria in the mouth form plaque, a thin biofilm of bacteria that adheres to teeth. If these bacteria spread into the gums, the gums may swell, become inflamed, and bleed easily – this is gingivitis. Gingivitis isn't always painful, and may be difficult to notice in its early stages. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into the more serious condition of periodontitis, eventually posing a threat to the health of your gums and teeth.
Preventing & Treating Gingivitis
The best way to protect yourself from gingivitis is through prevention, and regular brushing and flossing is the most important step. In addition to at-home oral hygiene, be sure to maintain regular (twice annual) dental checkups and cleanings at our Montgomery, AL dentist's office.
If you do develop gingivitis, we can treat it through in-office cleanings and ongoing oral hygiene maintenance. If caught early, it's relatively easy to treat gingivitis and maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Do I Have Gingivitis?
It's not always easy to tell if you're suffering from gingivitis. Some of the most important symptoms to look out for include:
- Swollen, puffy gums
- Inflammation in the gums
- Red gums
- Bleeding when flossing or brushing
- Receding gum line
If you'd like a more in-depth look into your oral health status, feel free to perform a self-assessment for gingivitis. Or you can view a brief video on gingivitis and its treatment here.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Montgomery, AL Dentist
Healthy gums are vital to a healthy smile, and if you'd like to learn more about preventing and treating gingivitis, we'd be happy to help. Feel free to call us at 334-271-6333 or request an appointment at our office online. We can't wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you maintain a beautiful smile for years to come.