How to Treat Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a gum disease that involves the swelling of the gums. This condition is often caused by improper dental hygiene that allows plaque or bacteria to build up on teeth. The right dental treatment can reverse early gingivitis. However, if it’s untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. To learn about the treatment options available, contact Lovett Dental Sugar Land today at 281-759-5900.

Diagnosing Gingivitis

Gingivitis may cause bleeding or visibly swollen gums. Soft, receding, or tender gums are also signs. A periodontist will exam your teeth and gums and take a dental and medical history. They will also measure the pocket depth, which indicates the distance between the spaces around your teeth below your gum line. Your dentist may take dental X-rays to check for bone loss if you have deep gum pockets.

Gingivitis Treatment at Home

Home gingivitis treatment isn’t a substitute for proper dental care. However, it can help you reduce the amount of plaque, which can also control or reverse gingivitis.

Treating gingivitis at home involves:

Proper dental hygiene
Mouth rinses
Lifestyle changes
Regular dental checkups

Treating Gingivitis With Dental Hygiene

The first treatment for gingivitis is proper brushing and flossing. It would be best if you brushed at least twice a day. An electric toothbrush can remove more plaque than a manual brush. You’ll also need to floss each day. To further prevent gingivitis, consider using a water flosser. Water flossers are more effective than traditional string floss for removing plaque.

Oral Rinses

The other primary home gingivitis treatment is oral rinse or mouthwash. In addition to commercial mouthwash, there are a surprising number of effective options. The simplest is saltwater. Saltwater can reduce the level of bacteria in your mouth and soothe inflamed gums.
You can also use essential oils. You will need to add no more than three drops of essential oil to a cup of water. Rinse your mouth with it for thirty seconds. Spit it out, and be sure not to swallow any. Lemongrass and tea tree are popular options.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes may also be a part of your gingivitis treatment. A diet high in sugar can contribute to the development of gingivitis. In addition to lowering your sugar intake, green vegetables and fruits can help boost your immune system. Healthier food choices can improve your body’s ability to fight off harmful bacteria like gingivitis.

If you use tobacco, you are seven times more likely to develop periodontitis, causing tooth loss. Smoking can also lower the effectiveness of gingivitis treatments. If you are a smoker, consider discussing a smoking cessation plan with your dentist.

Dental Check-Ups

If you notice any signs of gingivitis, you should make a dental appointment. You’ll also need to maintain a regular cleaning schedule and follow any other instructions given to you by your dentist.

Periodontic Gingivitis Treatment

Periodontics is a specialty dentistry field that focuses on the structures that support the teeth, including the gums. Periodontics gingivitis treatment will begin with a professional tooth cleaning. This treatment will remove the plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth. It’s difficult to remove all the build-up at home, especially in hard to reach areas. As such, professional cleanings are essential for your teeth and the health of your gums. Your dentist will perform two treatments during cleaning. Scaling removes the plaque build-up, and root planing smooths the tooth root, further eliminating bacteria. This treatment is also known as deep cleaning.

This treatment is usually sufficient for gingivitis treatment. If the condition has progressed to periodontitis, you may need antibiotic treatments or surgery. Prompt treatment can prevent the development of periodontitis.

Gingivitis Treatment at Lovett Dental Sugar Land

Lovett Dental Sugar Land provides a full range of general and specialty dental services to meet the needs of Texas residents. In addition to a Texas periodontist, we offer several dental services, including: