How to Prevent & Treat Gingivitis

If you’re suffering from gingivitis, the last thing you want to do is ignore it! Read on to learn how you can spot, treat, and eradicate gingivitis before it develops into something worse and leaves you with long-term damage.

Signs & Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease. It may be considered mild, but it’s not to be ignored. If left unaddressed, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a much more serious form of gum disease. So if you persistently experience any of the following signs and symptoms, swift action is the key to getting your gum disease under control:

• Gums that are red, swollen, tender, and/or bleeding
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Gum recession
• Tooth sensitivity

Gingivitis Prevention

If you’re not currently dealing with gingivitis, that doesn’t mean you can forget all about it! If you don’t have gingivitis, that’s probably because you’re taking great care of your teeth. So to keep your gums in tip-tip condition, maintain those superb oral health practices. This includes consuming a healthy diet and plenty of water, visiting one of our dental offices twice a year to have your teeth cleaned and examined, and brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once a day.

Gingivitis Treatment

If you do have this early form of gum disease, all hope is not lost! At this point, you can treat and prevent it from progressing. In fact, gingivitis can even be reversed, but it does take a visit to the dentist. With a deep cleaning, we can remove the deep-set plaque and tartar buildup that’s causing the inflammation and irritation. Our expert team can also suggest oral hygiene tips and dietary tips to promote healthy gums.

Both treating and preventing gingivitis are steps you’ll want to take to protect your teeth AND your overall body wellness. Not only can untreated gingivitis eventually lead to tooth loss and bone loss, but it has also been connected to an increased risk for other health problems like acne, heart disease, and pneumonia.

Questions About Your Gum Health? Get in Touch!

Here at Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of services to treat gum disease at any stage. Contact us today to set up a consultation to get your health back on track.