What Is G
What Is Gingivitis?
An early form of periodontal disease, gingivitis is a minor infection that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.
Proper dental care is essential for a dazzling smile, but it also plays a role in the health of your gums. Daily brushing and flossing can prevent the effects of gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease. Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed, provided you take immediate action when problems arise.
Along with practicing diligent at-home dental care, you can also consult with our team at Long Island Implant Dentistry if you have questions about gum health. Our treatments help undo the effects of gum disease in its early stages, but we can also take steps to prevent plaque and bacteria from contributing to issues in the future.
Causes of Gingivitis
Lax dental care leads to an accumulation of plaque, which is a sticky substance that harbors harmful bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for cavities, but they also irritate sensitive gum tissues if allowed to linger in the mouth. Plaque eventually becomes tartar, which is a hardened substance that can’t be eliminated by brushing and flossing alone.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Emerging periodontal disease is relatively easy to identify on your own, provided you’re aware of common symptoms. These include:
- Bad breath odor that does not improve after brushing
- Redness and swelling of the gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Receding gum tissue
Even minor issues should be addressed right away to prevent gingivitis from progressing. After you schedule an appointment with our dental care team, we’ll perform an examination of gum tissue and follow up with a thorough cleaning to remove accumulating plaque.
How Gingivitis Is Treated
When signs of gum disease become apparent, visiting a dentist is imperative. In some cases, a dentist can perform a cleaning to remove plaque, while also providing guidelines for home dental care going forward.
If tartar has already formed, dentists can use special tools and equipment to remove it. Dentists may need to remove plaque and tartar from along the gum line and between teeth. It may also be necessary to address any pockets that have formed in gum tissue, which can harbor plaque and bacteria.
How to Prevent Future Issues
The best way to prevent gingivitis in the future is to brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis. You must also visit a dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams. In the event you’re dealing with significant gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings.
Healthy habits can also support optimum gum health. Replace sugary sodas with water, which helps rinse away plaque and bacteria after eating. Smoking can also worsen gum disease, as it affects the function of your immune system and makes it harder for gum tissue to heal when damaged. Along with many other health benefits, abstaining from cigarettes can also have a huge impact on your oral health.
Effective and Affordable Gum Disease Treatment
When in search of trusted dentists in Long Island to help with gingivitis, LI Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry offers gentle and affordable treatments to patients. Our team will begin by assessing gum health, which allows us to recommend the best treatment. We’ll also offer tips on how to avoid gum issues in the future.
Please contact us today for more information about our practice and how we can help you.
