Symptoms of Early-Stage Gingivitis

Cartoon showing bleeding gums which are a sign of gingivitis.
Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Gum disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. As the first and mildest stage of gum disease, gingivitis can be reversed! However, if it isn’t treated, gingivitis turns into periodontitis, infections, and tooth loss. How do you know if you have early-stage gingivitis? Here are the most common symptoms.

Tender Gums

When plaque and tartar collect on your teeth, gum irritation occurs. Tenderness or sensitivity is a common symptom. You may feel discomfort when you brush, floss, or press your finger against your gums.

Red, Puffy Gums

Redness and puffiness are other signs of inflammation. Healthy gums are light pink (or darker pink for people with darker skin) and firm. If they look red or swollen, you likely have gingivitis.

Bleeding Gums

Gingivitis can cause your gums to bleed more easily, especially when you brush and floss your teeth. You may be tempted to stop flossing when you see blood, but bleeding gums are a sign that you need to maintain flossing and better oral hygiene! A water flosser might be more comfortable to use and will help clean your gums.

Bad Breath

The bacteria that cause gingivitis also produce unpleasant smells. If you struggle with bad breath, you could be dealing with early-stage gum disease. Establishing a consistent brushing and flossing routine should help reverse gingivitis and improve your breath.

Treating Gum Disease at Queensboro Plaza Dental Care in Long Island City, NY

Gingivitis is a very common dental problem. Brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings at the dentist can help prevent and reverse gingivitis! As soon as you notice symptoms of gingivitis, start improving your oral hygiene and schedule a cleaning with the Queensboro Plaza Dental Care team. Even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s important to visit us at least twice a year. Gingivitis doesn’t always cause pain, but a dentist can spot symptoms you can’t. Please contact us to book an appointment!

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Patient Reviews

Karoline PammerKaroline Pammer
20:52 30 Mar 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are extremely competent, friendly and professional. He is very thorough and explains everything very clearly. Finally I feel like I am in good hands when it comes to dental care.
Matt SmithMatt Smith
21:18 05 Feb 22
Great overall experience getting a dental cleaning. Very friendly staff, beautifully designed office, and a comfortable experience watching calming Netflix nature programming while in the chair. Complimentary beverages are in the waiting room and so is a little play area for kids.It felt to me that this was a patient-focused family practice as opposed to a cold, corporate dental mill trying to churn through as many patients as possible.I’ll definitely be coming back here for all my dental needs and I highly recommend.
Sundup SherpaSundup Sherpa
22:07 02 Feb 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are very welcoming and they provide an excellent experience every time I visit. I’ve only been here twice for annual checkups but would definitely consider and recommend this place to anyone who appreciates good customer experience and a very thoughtful approach to making sure that you feel at home. I have some procedures set up for later in the month and I must actually be the only person in the world actually looking forward to a dentist appointment.
Jayrockem GottemJayrockem Gottem
21:27 09 Nov 21
Great place wonderful staff they will be my go too dentist 100%
shawaf alishawaf ali
22:08 26 Aug 21
Very confident after leaving the office that my teeth are in greatttt hands. Above and beyond patient care. Very informative visits. A sense that they genuinely care about patient concerns. Added helpful guidelines I took home with me to reach dental hygiene goals before my next visits. Highly recommended you leave your old scary dentist ! 😁😁
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Queensboro Plaza Dental Care

Queensboro Plaza Dental Care