Treating gingivitis (early gum disease) is a lot like maintaining a car. You wash your car regularly, check the oil, and top off fluids to keep it running well day to day. These simple steps go a long way in preventing bigger problems. But no matter how well you care for your car at home, it still needs regular trips to a mechanic for professional inspections and tune-ups. Your gums work the same way. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at home help keep your gums healthy, but they can’t replace the deep cleanings and expert care your dentist provides. If you’re gum health is at risk, it’s important to know how at-home gingivitis treatment and professional care can work together to get you back on track.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis marks the beginning of gum disease. It can make your gums appear red and puffy and may cause them to bleed easily. You might start noticing bleeding gums after brushing or flossing your teeth. The irritation comes from the buildup of plaque (a sticky layer of bacteria) on the teeth. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque, but if these habits are inconsistent or done incorrectly, your risk of developing gingivitis increases.
Some people dismiss gingivitis, but it needs to be evaluated by a dentist and treated properly. Gum disease is progressive, so addressing gingivitis early is key to preventing it from getting worse. If ignored, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more severe and irreversible stage of gum disease that can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
But the impact of gum disease isn’t just limited to your mouth. Studies have shown an increased risk of systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, in individuals with untreated gum disease. And recent research has shown a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The good news is that you have the power to take control over your oral health through consistent at-home care and regular dental visits.
Gingivitis Treatment at Home
You can often reverse early gingivitis with diligent oral hygiene practices. The following steps are simple gingivitis treatment options you can perform at home. Together, they create a powerful regimen to restore gum health and prevent gingivitis from progressing.
- Brush teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps fight decay, and soft brushes clean effectively without irritating the gums.
- Be sure to brush for at least 2 minutes each time, and replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months (or whenever you notice the bristles wearing down).
- Floss every day to remove plaque and food particles between teeth that brushing misses. Use a clean section of floss between each tooth.
- Rinse daily with an antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash to help kill bacteria that cause gum inflammation and plaque buildup. Look for products with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
Here are a few additional tips to help support your gum health:
- Rinse with warm saltwater to decrease swelling and kill bacteria.
- Avoid smoking, which worsens gum problems and slows healing.
- Limit sugary foods, which feed harmful bacteria and promote plaque buildup.
Gingivitis Treatment at the Dentist
When you don’t remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. This substance can’t be cleaned away at home. At this stage, only a dental professional can clean thoroughly enough below the gumline to prevent and treat gum disease.
One of the most effective in-office treatments for gum disease is scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning. This procedure removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline. It also smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach to the teeth, since they may have pulled away due to inflammation and infection.
Another treatment involves laser dentistry. We can use a soft-tissue dental laser to gently remove infected or diseased tissue around the gums. This laser treatment is similar in purpose to traditional gum surgery, which involves cutting away tissue with a scalpel. However, the laser offers greater precision, less discomfort, and a faster recovery time. These benefits make it a more advanced and patient-friendly option for treating gum disease.
After your initial treatment, we’ll continue to support your gum health at each routine visit. During these appointments, we’ll check for any signs of inflammation, remove lingering plaque or tartar, and assess how well your gums are healing. These regular cleanings and evaluations are essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing gingivitis from coming back. If needed, we’ll adjust your care plan and offer guidance to help you keep your smile healthy between visits.
Gingivitis Treatment Works Best With a Team Approach!
Just like routine maintenance keeps your car running smoothly, a combination of daily care and professional support is key to lasting gum health. While brushing and flossing are essential, seeing a dentist for a thorough evaluation and cleaning is often necessary to fully treat gingivitis and prevent it from progressing. Together, these two levels of care form a powerful defense against gum disease.
Ready to take control of your oral health? Contact us today to schedule your visit.
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