Maintaining healthy gums is essential to your oral and overall wellness. When possible signs of gingivitis present themselves, it’s critical to seek assistance from your family dentist. Gingivitis is the earliest, most treatable stage of gum disease. Left untreated, however, it could spread and progress into periodontitis, a severe condition where the tooth and bone loss may occur.

As a leading family dentist in Lexington, NC, Jerry A Laws DDS wants to help his patients stay healthy by encouraging them to look out for the following early signs of gingivitis:

• Swelling: If your gums appear inflamed or puffy, consult your dentist. Often, swollen gums may also feel tender to the touch.
• Bleeding: Contrary to what some people may think, your gums shouldn’t ever bleed upon brushing or flossing. If you find that they do, it could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as gum disease. 

• Bad Breath: Halitosis, more commonly referred to as “bad breath,” can result from a number of different causes. Sometimes, even certain medications can cause your breath to have a funky odor. However, if you haven’t changed your normal routine in any way and notice bad breath, schedule a visit with your dental care team.
• Redness: Healthy gums are light pink in color. If they’re dark red or even whitish, ask your family dentist to check it out.
• Receding Gum Line: As gingivitis progresses, the gum line can recede, exposing more of your tooth. While all of the symptoms mentioned demand attention from dental care, this particular sign could be indicative of a serious case of gingivitis and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Jerry A Laws DDS and his staff can recommend preventative treatments for keeping gingivitis at bay if you’re genetically predisposed to the condition. They also have gentle and effective remedies to get your gum health back on track, should you develop gingivitis. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 249-7708, or contact the practice online. You can also like the family dentist on Facebook for more tips.