Posted on 3/3/2025 by Singing River Dentistry - Athens
Gingivitis is a common gum disease that causes inflammation, redness, and swelling of the gums. It's often caused by poor oral hygiene, but other factors like smoking, certain medications, and hormonal changes can also play a role. While gingivitis itself isn't usually serious, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can damage the bones and tissues supporting your teeth.
The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with proper care. By taking steps to improve your oral hygiene and working with your dentist, you can help restore your gums to health and prevent further damage.
What Happens to Your Gums with Gingivitis?
When you have gingivitis, the bacteria in plaque build up along the gum line. This irritates the gums, causing them to become inflamed, red, and swollen. You may also experience bleeding gums when you brush or floss. As gingivitis progresses, the gums can pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. These pockets become infected and filled with more bacteria, leading to further inflammation and bone loss.
How to Help Restore Your Gums
The key to restoring your gums after gingivitis is to remove the plaque and bacteria that are causing the inflammation. Here are some steps you can take:
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Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure to brush along the gum line and use a fluoride toothpaste.
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Floss once a day. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach.
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Use an antiseptic mouthwash. An antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
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See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can help to prevent gingivitis from returning.
Restoration Dentistry Options
In some cases, gingivitis may have caused damage to your gums that requires more than just good oral hygiene. Restoration dentistry offers various options to address these issues, including:
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Scaling and root planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces of your teeth, making it more difficult for bacteria to reattach.
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Gum grafts: If your gums have receded, a gum graft can be used to cover the exposed root surfaces and protect them from further damage.
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Bone grafts: In severe cases of periodontitis, bone grafts may be needed to rebuild bone that has been lost due to the disease.
Conclusion
Restoring your gums after gingivitis is important for your overall oral health and can help prevent further problems down the road. By following the tips above and working with your dentist, you can get your gums healthy again and keep your smile bright.
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Gingivitis is a common gum disease that causes inflammation, redness, and swelling of the gums. It's often caused by poor oral hygiene, but other factors like smoking, certain medications, and hormonal changes can also play a role. While gingivitis itself isn't usually serious, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can damage the bones and tissues supporting your teeth.