Toggle navigation
Michael S. Pugh, DMD Logo
108 Central Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801(256) 536-3386
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • MySpace
 
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Our Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Gingivitis is the medical term for early gum disease, or periodontal disease. In general, gum disease can be caused by long-term exposure to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or sleeping.

Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from harmful bacteria and other materials left behind from eating. Early warning signs include chronic bad breath, tender or painful swollen gums and minor bleeding after brushing or flossing. In many cases, however, gingivitis can go unnoticed. The infections can eventually cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating even greater opportunities for infection and decay.

Although gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, in many cases it is avoidable.

If gingivitis goes untreated, more serious problems such as abscesses, bone loss or periodontitis can occur.

Periodontitis is treated in a number of ways. One method, called root planing, involved cleaning and scraping below the gum line to smooth the roots. If effective, this procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure.  However, not all instances of scaling and root planing successfully reattach the tooth to the gums.  Additional measures may be needed if the periodontal pockets persist after scaling and root planing

Pregnancy has also been known to cause a form of gingivitis. This has been linked to hormonal changes in the woman's body that promote plaque production.


Our Location

108 Central Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 536-3386
Patient Education Menu
  • What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
  • Cosmetic Procedures
    • Invisalign®
    • Cosmetic Fillings
    • Dentist Huntsville AL
    • Bonding Procedures
    • Cosmetic Contouring
    • Crowns and Bridges
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Dental Bridges
    • Specialty Dentures
    • Excessive or Uneven Gums
      • Ridge Augmentation
    • Soft Tissue Grafts
      • Replacement of Lost Gum Tissue
    • Dental Implants
      • Smoking and Implants
    • Dental Veneers
  • Oral Health Topics
    • Introduction
    • Fluoride
    • The Preventive Program
    • Fillings
    • Infection Control
    • Medication and Heart Disease
    • Latex Allergy
    • Age and Oral Health
    • Tobacco
    • Oral Piercing
  • Tooth Care
    • What is Tooth Decay?
    • Brushing
    • Flossing
    • Fluoride Facts
    • Mouth Rinses
    • Sealants
    • X-Rays
    • Denture Care
    • Emergency Care
    • Prevention Tips for Children
    • Women and Tooth Care
    • Seniors and Oral Health
    • Nutrition and Your Teeth
  • Dental Problems
    • Abscessed Tooth
    • Bad Breath (halitosis)
    • Bulimia Nervosa
    • Canker/Cold Sores
    • Cavities and Tooth Decay
    • Toothaches
    • Diabetes
    • Dry Mouth
    • Fluorosis
    • Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
    • Impacted/Wisdom Teeth
    • Lacerations and Cuts
    • Oral Cancer
    • Plaque
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
    • Jaw Disorders
  • Treatment
    • Braces (Orthodontia)
    • Sealants
    • Missing Teeth
    • Bridges
    • Crowns
    • Root Canal Therapy
    • Extractions
    • Scaling and Root Planing
    • Flap Surgery
    • Dentures
    • Jaw/TMJ
    • Maxillofacial Surgery
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Bleaching
      • Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
      • Implants
      • Grafts
      • Old and Unsightly Fillings
      • Bonding
      • Excessive or Uneven Gums
      • Ridge Augmentation
  • Pain Management
    • Overview
    • Managing Pain
    • Anesthesia
    • Air Abrasion
    • Medications
  • Patient Information
    • Your First Dental Visit
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Your Rights as a Patient
  • Product Reviews
    • Oral Health Products
    • Choosing a Toothbrush
    • Types of Floss
    • Water Picks
    • Mouth Guards
  • Glossary
  • Links

Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth Whitening

Veneers


 

Top 10 dentistry clinics in Huntsville, AL 2015
Voted 2015’s best Dentist in Huntsville, AL
Verified by Opencare.com


Read Unbiased Consumer Reviews Online at AngiesList.com

angieslist.com/review/522950

We use Angie's List to assess whether we're keeping valued patients like you happy. Please visit click the link above to grade our quality of care and customer service.

 

 

Click the link below to review our office

Your kind words help us grow our practice.

Our Location

Huntsville, AL Dentist
Artistic Dentistry
108 Central Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL (256) 536-3386

Fax: (256) 536-3387

Map & Directions

Office Hours

Monday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: By Appoinment Only


 

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Our Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map