What is Gingivitis?

You've probably heard of gingivitis in a toothpaste commercial, but you might only have a vague idea of what it is.  Our latest blog post gives more concrete details on this common dental problem.

Gingivitis is a generally mild inflammation of the gums that can cause redness and swelling.  It occurs when bacteria found in foods sticks to your teeth and forms plaque.  After a few days plaque can harden into tartar, which makes brushing and flossing less effective, creating a shield for the bacteria to harm your gums.

The symptoms of gingivitis can be so mild that you don't notice it, but left untreated can lead to more serious types of gum disease, which is one reason we recommend seeing the dentist on a semiannual basis.  Fortunately, you can prevent gingivitis from forming at home by practicing good oral hygiene, i.e. brushing and flossing.

As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to help you manage all your children's dental needs.  Feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522 if you have any questions.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

general dentistry for kids in TucsonDr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are a husband and wife team providing general dentistry for kids in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and surrounding areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children as your local Tucson dentist. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Tucson, contact us today!