What to Know About Gingivitis Treatment
The gingiva is the part of your gum that’s surrounding the base of your teeth. When this is inflamed, it’s known as gingivitis, which is a common periodontal disease. Gingivitis treatment is key because it can trigger a range of issues if left unchecked, including tooth loss. So, what causes it and what can you do about it?
What Causes Gingivitis
In most cases, gingivitis is caused by poor oral hygiene. This can include not brushing your teeth properly and skipping flossing, as well as not going for regular dental checkups. The good news is that by adopting healthier dental habits, you can prevent or even reverse mild gingivitis.
Oftentimes, even a good professional cleaning can remove early stages of gingivitis. Your dentist can also explain what steps to take at home to care for your teeth and reduce the risk of the condition recurring.
How We Treat Gingivitis
When gingivitis is moderate or more severe, treatment is needed for this gum disease, including scaling and root planing. This might be done in one visit or over the source of several, depending on the severity of the condition and your personal needs.
Scaling is when your dentist uses a tool to scale away plaque and tartar deep down in the periodontal pocket. Root planing, on the other hand, gives care to the root surfaces, smoothing them and enabling the gum tissue to heal and re-attach.
In severe cases, surgery might be needed. However, your first step is to have a dental professional evaluate your teeth and gums, so they can provide recommendations about treatment for gingivitis gum disease. They might even prescribe medication or a medicated mouthwash that can help to tamp down inflammation.
Learn More About Gingivitis Treatment Today
At Burns Dentistry, our team of dentists has decades of experience and can thoroughly evaluate your teeth, providing recommendations for gingivitis treatments. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
