As most people know, gingivitis is something you should try to avoid altogether. However, do you know what gingivitis actually is? Or what it can do to your teeth? Similarly, did you know that you could have it and not even know?
You see, if plaque isn’t removed, it will eventually turn into tartar. Unfortunately, tartar usually builds up is at the base of your teeth and will irritate your gums. However, gingivitis can be caused by more than poor hygiene. For instance, you’ll be more prone to gingivitis if you’re pregnant, going through puberty or menopause, have diabetes or have a vitamin deficiency.
While tartar is one of the main causes of gingivitis, it can be very dangerous to remove on your own. Unlike plaque, tartar is a hard substance that should be removed by a dentist. In fact, if you try to remove tartar on your own, you could damage your teeth and your gums.
Similarly, if you try to treat gingivitis at home, you could actually be putting your health at risk. To treat gingivitis, you’ll need to remove plaque and tartar. Unfortunately, if they aren’t removed correctly, you can develop infections. This infection can lead to a number of problems, especially if bad bacteria is able to enter your bloodstream.
Would you like to learn more about gingivitis? Do you worry that you already have gingivitis? If so, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at East Indianapolis Dental Associates by calling 317-357-8548. Dr. James McAllister and our entire team will be happy to address any concerns you may have. We look forward to hearing from you soon!