Gingivitis is a relatively common oral health issue. This mild form of periodontal disease appears in the form of inflamed or swollen gums and if left untreated, can be a precursor to more serious problems. Typically, the result of poor at-home oral hygiene habits, gingivitis can be treated by your dentist. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams, as your dentist can identify the early warning signs.
Concerned about gingivitis? Contact Dr. Michael Hsu at Columbia Smiles today. We monitor all oral hygiene issues including periodontal disease in our Howard County dental practice. We are focused on the health of your teeth and gums. Connect with our team at 410.690.4855 or reach out online to schedule an appointment.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. This issue affects the part of the gums around the base of the teeth, also called the gingiva.
Some of the typical symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss
- Gums that are receding away from the teeth
- Dark red gums
- Swelling or pain in the gums
- Sensitive gums
Some of the symptoms of gum disease can be difficult to detect. Visiting your dentist regularly is a proactive way to catch gingivitis before it turns into a more serious issue like tooth loss.
Preventative measures can be taken to protect your gums against gingivitis. Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential, but it’s also important to pay attention to the tools you use. Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles can irritate the gums. Flossing is also an important part of a daily oral health routine, as flossing removes plaque and tartar from around the gums where brushing alone might not reach.
The Most Effective Treatments for Gingivitis
How is gingivitis treated? First, your dentist will diagnose this issue based on the symptoms that you’re experiencing. For example, If the groove between your gums and your teeth has gotten bigger, this can be a sign that you have gingivitis.
Treatment for gingivitis can reverse its symptoms if it’s caught early. A thorough cleaning is the first step in treating gum disease. Your dentist and hygienist will remove all the plaque and bacteria that has built up around the gums. They may also perform a procedure called root planing which makes it harder for plaque to form in the future.
It’s possible to develop gingivitis as a result of poorly fitting dental appliances like crowns or bridges. Your dentist can assess what needs to be adjusted. Finally, your dentist can give you advice and tools for how to keep gingivitis at bay at home. Good oral health habits can prevent future issues.
Periodontal Treatment at Columbia Smiles
Connect with Dr. Hsu at Columbia Smiles today to schedule an appointment. Whether you’ve been putting off your next cleaning or are experiencing the symptoms of gingivitis, our team can help. At Columbia Smiles, we offer the best dental care in the Columbia, MD area in a comfortable environment. We understand the anxiety that some individuals can feel about going to the dentist, and in our Howard County practice, we do everything we can to keep our patients as comfortable as possible.
In addition to treatment for gingivitis and other forms of gum disease, we offer a wide range of dental services, including:
- Cleanings and exams
- Cavity fillings
- Laser dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening and dental veneers
Reach out to our team at 410.690.4855 or connect with us online today to schedule an appointment.
