Gingivitis

San Diego, CA Dentist

Gingivitis is a disease that can cause significant deterioration of your teeth and gums. When bacteria start to collect in your mouth, this creates a sticky, colorless substance known as “plaque”. Plaque will gradually build up on your teeth, and if you do not remove it through brushing and flossing, particles can harden and turn into tartar. The bacteria in plaque and tartar causes your gums to become inflamed and bleed. If gingivitis is not treated early, it will progress and worsen.

Treatment

A common solution for controlling gingivitis is a deep cleaning, involving scaling and root planing. Scaling is the removal of tartar from tooth surfaces, and root planing is the process of smoothing root surfaces by removing tartar below the gum line. While a deep cleaning is usually painless, advanced stages of disease may make it necessary to numb certain areas for comfort. General anesthesia is not necessary when undergoing this procedure.