What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. What does that mean? Just like any other part of our body, our gums can become inflamed.
How do I know that I have gum inflammation?
Your gums may start feeling swollen or bulky. Your teeth may feel uncomfortable, and you might notice bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. These are all common signs of gum inflammation.
What causes gingivitis?
Gingivitis is caused by bacteria that naturally live in our mouths. We always have bacteria, and it's impossible to eliminate it completely. What we can do is maintain a healthy balance between the good and bad bacteria.
This is why good oral hygiene is so important. To help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease, it's essential to stay consistent with brushing, flossing, and routine dental care.
Should I think of this as a disease?
Many patients ask if gingivitis means they have a disease in their mouth. I wouldn't think of it that way. Instead, think of it as a common problem that can usually be addressed quite easily with the right care.
How do I know that I have a problem?
Gingivitis is often easy to recognize. When you look in the mirror, you may notice that the gums between your teeth appear swollen or bulky. Another very common sign is bleeding.
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it may be a clear indication that gum inflammation is present and should be evaluated.
What is the first step in treating gingivitis?
The first step in treating gingivitis is having a professional dental cleaning. However, I always tell my patients that this is a two-way street. We can help create a clean, healthy environment by removing bacteria and buildup, but you also have an important role.
Brushing, flossing, and possibly using a Waterpik at home are all essential to reducing inflammation and keeping your gums healthy.
What is the best course of action to treat gingivitis?
The best way to treat gingivitis is to maintain good oral hygiene every day. We often recommend using a Waterpik before brushing your teeth. The Waterpik helps remove food debris from between the teeth, allowing your toothpaste to reach those clean spaces more effectively when you brush.
Combining good home care with regular dental visits gives you the best chance of reversing gingivitis and maintaining healthy gums.
How long does it take for gingivitis to improve?
Most patients begin to see improvement shortly after their professional dental cleaning because we've removed much of the bacteria that causes the inflammation. However, your home care is just as important, so this is truly something we accomplish together.
Some underlying health conditions can make healing take a little longer. However, for most people, you can expect to see noticeable improvement within two to three weeks after your cleaning, provided you're following a good oral hygiene routine at home.
Your dental health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for expert dental care near Chelmsford, MA, call (978) 381-1210 or email [email protected] to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.