Gingivitis Treatment

Gingivitis is an early-stage gum disease characterised by gum inflammation. There can be different causes of gingivitis, but for the most part, gingivitis usually stems from having excess plaque on the teeth. If left untreated, it can progress to more severe periodontal diseases — aka gum disease in its advanced stage.

Langmore Dental boasts a host of expert dentists in Berwick who can restore oral health and prevent this early stage of gingivitis from developing into something more serious.

Understanding Gingivitis & Its Causes

If you’ve got gingivitis, chances are you have plaque buildup on the teeth and gums. Plaque is that sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth — usually when you don’t brush them frequently enough. Risk factors for developing excess plaque can include:

• Poor oral hygiene: Plaque will accumulate if you don’t brush and floss every day.
• Smoking or tobacco use: Tobacco is the furthest thing from tooth-friendly, staining teeth and impairing gum tissue healing.
• Diabetes: Unfortunately, diabetes makes you all the more susceptible to infections such as gum disease.
• Certain medications: Some drugs reduce the flow of saliva, aka the mouth’s literal palete cleanser, meaning nasties are more likely to stick around in the mouth and drag down oral health.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can make gums more sensitive.

If you understand the causes of gingivitis, you can take steps to actively prevent or treat the onset of early-stage gingivitis.

Spotting the Symptoms of Gingivitis

If you’re developing gingivitis, it’s ideal to nip it in the bud. Common signs of gingivitis include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Soft gums

If you experience any of these signs, contact Langmore Dental at your earliest convenience. We’ll attend to you with gentle dental care and effective gingivitis treatments.

How Can You Treat Gingivitis?

A gingivitis cure is one part professional dental intervention and one part improved self-care. Here’s what we can do from our side:

• Professional dental clean: Nothing eliminates plaque and tartar like an in-chair cleaning and scaling.
• Antibacterial mouthwash: It’s like saliva, but more proactive! Dentists can prescribe such mouthwashes to reduce bacterial load and soothe inflamed gums.
• Personalised oral hygiene education: Dentists will often give recommendations about brushing and flossing techniques based on what they see in an appointment, which will help you fight plaque at home.

Our experienced team will take the treatment of gingivitis into their own hands and make recommendations with you in mind.

Preventing Gingivitis: Tips for Healthy Gums

So long as you have some effective preventative practices in place, you have a solid chance of dodging gingivitis altogether. Here are some self-maintenance tips we recommend:

• Brushing twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth.
• Flossing daily: Food particles and plaque that accumulate between the teeth and under the gum line are the sneakiest of all — tell them where to go by flossing each individual tooth (where possible).
• Scheduling regular dental checkups: Visiting the dentist every six months means you can catch issues early and address gum issues sooner rather than later.
• Eating a healthy diet: A balanced diet supports immune function and oral health. Avoiding processed sugar is also an excellent way to discourage plaque from growing.
• Avoiding tobacco products: Tobacco products do your oral health in favours. They promote dental staining and prevent gum healing.

Reduce your risk of developing gingivitis — stay on top of your oral hygiene and be mindful of what you put in your mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingivitis

How do you get rid of gingivitis?

Eliminating gingivitis involves professional dental treatments to remove plaque and tartar, coupled with consistent oral hygiene practices at home, including brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash.

How can you stop gingivitis quickly?

Improved oral hygiene can often reverse early-stage gingivitis. Brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can yield improvements within days. However, professional dental cleaning is essential for thorough treatment.

What is the best treatment for gingivitis?

The most effective treatment combines professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar with diligent at-home oral care routines. In some cases, antibacterial mouthwashes or gingivitis medicine may be prescribed to address specific concerns or complications of gingivitis.

How long does gingivitis treatment take?

The duration varies depending on the severity of the case. Mild cases may see improvement within a week of enhanced oral care, while more severe cases — often necessitating periodontal gum treatment — could require several weeks and multiple dental visits.

Is gingivitis treatment painful?

Most treatments for gingivitis are non-invasive and cause minimal discomfort. Professional cleans may cause slight sensitivity, but this would be temporary. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps minimise discomfort during treatment.

How can I reduce my risk for gingivitis?

Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, is key. Additionally, avoiding tobacco products and eating a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of gingivitis.

For personalised advice and effective gingivitis treatments in Berwick, get in touch with Langmore Dental. Our dedicated team is here to help you achieve optimal oral health.