Gingivitis is a mild, yet very common form of periodontal or gum disease that causes redness, swelling and irritation of your gums. Gingivitis can be very trifling that a person having the condition may not be aware of the disease’s presence. When left untreated, gingivitis could go further to an even more severe gum disease – periodontitis and subsequent loss of tooth. It is therefore very important to seriously pay attention to gingivitis and seek prompt treatment from an Ahwatukee Dentist. Daily brushing and flossing together with regular professional dental checkups are good oral health practices that can help put off gingivitis.

1. Knowing the Truth about Gingivitis from
Ahwatukee Dentistry info@sonoranhillsdental.com | T 480.785.9191
Condition May not be Aware
Gingivitis is a mild, yet very common form of periodontal or gum disease
that causes redness, swelling and irritation of your gums. Gingivitis can be
very trifling that a person having the condition may not be aware of the
disease’s presence. When left untreated, gingivitis could go further to an
even more severe gum disease – periodontitis and subsequent loss of
tooth. It is therefore very important to seriously pay attention to gingivitis
and seek prompt treatment from an Ahwatukee Dentist. Daily brushing
and flossing together with regular professional dental checkups are good
oral health practices that can help put off gingivitis.
COLLIN N. ITO D.M.D.
COSMETIC &
FAMILY DENTIST
www.sonoranhillsdental.com Chandler Dentistry

2. Knowing the Truth about Gingivitis from
Ahwatukee Dentistry info@sonoranhillsdental.com | T 480.785.9191
Symptoms
The characteristics of healthy gums are pale pink in color and firm. You may
have gingivitis if your gums bleed easily and are puffy and dusky red in color.
Without knowing it, you can have gingivitis because it is seldom painful.
Gingivitis’ signs and symptoms may include:
 A change in the color (from a healthy cherry to dusky scarlet) of your gums
 Tender gums
 Puffy, soft gums
 Swollen gums
 Receding gums
 Easily bleeding gums when you brush or floss COLLIN N. ITO D.M.D.
 Bad breath COSMETIC &
FAMILY DENTIST
www.sonoranhillsdental.com Chandler Dentistry

3. Knowing the Truth about Gingivitis from
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Causes
Poor oral hygiene is gingivitis’ most common cause that boosts the forming of
plaque. Plaque is a sticky, invisible film composed mostly of bacteria.
Whenever we eat, sugars and starches in the food and the bacteria that are
normally residing in the mouth interact forming plaque on our teeth. Everyday
brushing of teeth, together with flossing removes plaque. Daily removal of
plaque is required because its re-formation is very quick, usually just within 24
hours. Tartar can form under the gum line in two to three days that plaque
stays on the teeth and hardens. Plaque becomes more difficult to remove
when it becomes tartar, becoming a bacteria’s protective shield. Tartar can no
longer be removed by mere brushing and flossing. Thorough dental cleaning
from the Ahwatukee Dentistry professionals is needed to effectively get rid of
tartar. COLLIN N. ITO D.M.D.
COSMETIC &
FAMILY DENTIST
www.sonoranhillsdental.com Chandler Dentistry

4. Knowing the Truth about Gingivitis from
Ahwatukee Dentistry info@sonoranhillsdental.com | T 480.785.9191
Risk factors
Anyone can develop gingivitis as it is very common. It is during puberty that gum problems are
experienced by most people and then in different degrees all through their lifetime. Factors
that can put a person at risk of gingivitis include:
 Improper or poor oral health habits
 Improper or poor nutrition
 Old age
 Diabetes
 Use of tobacco
 Certain medications
 Dry mouth
 Certain fungal and viral infections
 Ill-fitting dental restorations
 Substance abuse
COLLIN N. ITO D.M.D.
 Hormonal changes, like those in relation to your menstrual
cycle, pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
COSMETIC &
• Decreased immunity resulting from HIV/AIDS, leukemia or other conditions FAMILY DENTIST
www.sonoranhillsdental.com Chandler Dentistry

5. Knowing the Truth about Gingivitis from
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When to see a dentist
Every Ahwatukee dental professional recommends regular dental
checkups to identify oral health problems such as gingivitis, caries
(cavities) and other dental conditions earlier before they cause
disturbing symptoms and develop into more serious health problems.
If you notice any of gingivitis’ signs and symptoms, immediately
schedule an appointment with and see your dentist as soon as
possible. The earlier you seek care and treatment, the more likely
that the damage from gingivitis will be reversed and its development
into more serious conditions can be prevented.
COLLIN N. ITO D.M.D.
COSMETIC &
FAMILY DENTIST
www.sonoranhillsdental.com Chandler Dentistry