Topic – Gingivitis/Periodontal Treatment
How do you describe the symptoms of gingivitis and is periodontal disease, periodontitis and gum disease the same thing?
Dr. John Vitale: Well, the symptoms of gingivitis generally include red gums, a little swelling around the gum tissue, some bleeding and oftentimes bad breath. Periodontal disease and periodontitis and gum disease are basically different stages of gum disease, periodontitis being a little bit more severe, gingivitis being the starting episodes of periodontal problems.
What is the most common cause of gingivitis and what are some other causes?
Dr. John Vitale: The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. There are other causes some of which are stress, lack of sleep, different things that would cause stressful conditions in one’s mouth. Job related causes, things like that. Basically the formula boils down to not taking care of your teeth for different reasons, preoccupying yourself with other stuff in life as opposed to taking the time and the effort to brush your teeth for two minutes three times a day.
How do you treat a case of gingivitis?
Dr. John Vitale: Gingivitis in its earlier stages is a very treatable disease. A good prophy and scaling at the dental office along with some oral hygiene instruction, and proper follow through afterwards, all would bring us to a situation where our gum tissue is nice and healthy. We stop the bleeding in our gums, our breath improves and we remove the plaque and bacteria from our mouths.
What can happen if someone does not get treated for gingivitis?
Dr. John Vitale: Well, again, gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal problems. If one doesn’t treat it, you end up with bone defects in your mouth, additional swelling, possible loss of teeth and periodontitis. It could get very serious.
What can people do to prevent getting gingivitis?
Dr. John Vitale: I think the most important thing to prevent gingivitis is good oral health. What I mean by that is brushing your teeth two minutes each time you brush your teeth, maybe twice or three times a day if you can, using dental floss. I particularly like a waterpik. I use it once a day and a little mouthwash. I think if you take as much care of your teeth as you do the rest of your body you’ll be okay.
RC: All right. Well thank you so much Dr. Vitale. We know you’re really busy. I just want to thank you for all of your time and help today.
Dr. John Vitale: Oh, you’re welcome. Any time.
RC: For our listeners across the country, if you are interested in speaking with Dr. John Vitale, you can either go online at www.drjohnrvitale.com or call 201-521-9800 to schedule an appointment.
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