Curing Gum Disease

Gum disease affects people of all ages. Gingivitis is simply the inflammation of the gum tissue, which is indicative of an infection in the gums. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease but it is usually quite mild and treatable. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to a periodontal disease which can bring on a whole host of other dental issues.

Even though gingivitis is rather common, a lot of people do not even realize that they have it or know how to treat it. Your dentist and dental hygienist will help you reverse your gingivitis and teach you how to keep it from returning. Below we will discuss some of the signs and symptoms of gingivitis and review some tips at treating it.

How do I know if I have gingivitis?

The most common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include swollen and red gums, tenderness, and bleeding after brushing or flossing. Being able to recognize the symptoms can help you catch gingivitis early and seek professional treatment before it progresses.

Simply visiting your dentist for your bi-annual cleanings and checkups can help make sure that gingivitis is detected as early as possible. At these regular visits, your hygienist will evaluate your gums and will be able to help determine if you are at risk for gingivitis. These check ups are especially important because gingivitis can be present without obvious symptoms.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis can lead to permanent damage to your gums, teeth and jaw.

Receiving Professional Treatment for Gum Disease

If your dentist or dental hygienist has determined that you do indeed have gum disease, there are a couple of treatment options they will likely suggest.

First and foremost is to get a professional cleaning! Most of the time, a regular cleaning is sufficient to help bring your gums back to a healthy state but occasionally, a deep cleaning may be necessary. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, involves the hygienist scraping below the gum line. This can be rather sensitive so you would be numb during this procedure.

Once your teeth and gums are nice and clean and free of any plaque buildup, your dentists will be sure to inspect your teeth and gums to see if there are any structural issues that could lead to gingivitis returning. One such factor is crooked teeth! Orthodontic treatment is often recommended for health benefits. Since crooked teeth are harder to clean, bringing the teeth into proper alignment can greatly improve their overall health. It may also be suggested that you replace any old dental work to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.

At Home Oral Care

Maintaining good oral hygiene between cleanings is incredibly important to keeping gingivitis at bay. Your home care routine should involve brushing twice daily with a soft bristle bristled brush and flossing at least once a day. A lot of patients can benefit from using an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill germs and bacteria. If you need any assistance, your dental hygienist is there to help you learn to use proper brushing and flossing techniques to maximize their effectiveness.

Being diagnosed with gingivitis isn’t fun but it is easily treated and a good home health care routine can help you be sure that it never returns!

More on Gum Disease : Signs of Gum Disease