Many people each year are diagnosed with gingivitis. This is an early form of gum disease and is often caused by poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing teeth regularly and not flossing. Some of the symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding when brushing or flossing, sensitivity, and swollen gums. Many individuals have gingivitis and are not even aware of the problem. If you’re concerned that you have signs of gum disease, contact your dentist right away. In most cases, gingivitis treatment involves implementing good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly. To learn more about preventing gingivitis and other forms of gum disease, call Columbia Smiles today.
How Gingivitis Develops
Some individuals are more likely to develop gingivitis or gum disease than others. Smoking, genetic factors, and poor oral hygiene can all contribute to this issue. If you think that you are at a higher risk of developing gingivitis, talk to your dentist about how to prevent plaque buildup on your teeth and under your gums.
The best treatment is prevention. The buildup of plaque leads to inflammation in the gums. To avoid this buildup, you should do the following:
- Brush your teeth morning and night
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks like soda
- Floss regularly to remove plaque in hard-to-reach places between the teeth
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to help you avoid irritating your gums any further
- Use a mouth rinse to help you remove unwanted plaque
These tips can also help you treat gingivitis once it is diagnosed. In many cases, gingivitis is reversible, and you’ll be able to restore your teeth and gums to full health.
Professional Gingivitis Treatment
In some cases, you may want to receive care from a professional. You’ll likely be referred to a periodontist from your dentist. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the health of the gums. They are experts in diagnosing and treating gum disease, including gingivitis.
What does professional gingivitis treatment look like? One procedure that can help treat gingivitis is known as scaling. This is a type of dental cleaning that removes plaque which has hardened into tartar on the teeth. One cause of gingivitis is tartar that builds up underneath the gum line. This tartar can be hard to reach. However, periodontists have specialized tools that can help them remove this build-up.
Left untreated, gingivitis can turn into a more severe form of gum disease. Gum recession, where the gums erode and pull away from the teeth, can be one outcome of gum disease. Once you lose gum tissue it will not come back. In order to prevent gingivitis from turning into gum disease, practice good oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and exams.
Contact Columbia Smiles today
In our dentistry in Columbia, MD, we provide cleanings, gingivitis treatment, and other dental care services. These services include the following:
- Diagnostic Dentistry
- General Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
To maintain the health of your teeth and gums, make an appointment today. Our dentists will answer any questions you may have about gum disease, including how to treat gingivitis. If you’ve noticed blood when you brush your teeth or floss, have a sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, or have inflammation and swelling in your gums, you might need gingivitis treatment. In our comfortable, conveniently located office, you’ll find high-quality care from compassionate, experienced professionals. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from our team today. Contact Columbia Smiles at 410.690.4855 to make an appointment.
