Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

Gingivitis And Its Treatment

16 May 2018 by Charlotte Beck

Many people are aware that their teeth need to remain cavity-free. However, the state of their gums is sometimes overlooked. Nevertheless, maintaining good gingival health is important. The gums support the teeth, and when they become inflamed and infected, they can spread the infection to the bone of the jaw. Since the roots of the teeth lie in the bone, an infected jawbone can result in loose teeth that may even fall out.

The health of the gums declines as the tissues are irritated by oral acids. The greater the amount of the acid in the mouth, the greater the negative impact on the gums. The amount of acid in the mouth corresponds to the amount of plaque and bacteria that are present in the oral cavity. 

When bacteria in the mouth feed, they release the acid as a waste product. The acid causes inflammations, which leads to the development of gum disease. Gum disease has various stages based on the severity of the condition. The first stage is gingivitis. Here is a bit of information about gingivitis and its treatment.

Signs of Gingivitis

Several symptoms present as gingivitis develops. The symptoms include:

• Gingival bleeding. You may notice that the bristles of your toothbrush are red or pink from your bleeding gums.
• Gingival tenderness. Your gums may seem overly sensitive or tender to the touch.
• Gingival swelling. Your gums may seem swollen or puffy instead of firm and flat.
• Gingival recession. The gums may pull back from the teeth, revealing a portion of the dental roots.

If gingivitis is not reversed, it can worsen. The gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which is a severe form of the condition. Periodontitis is characterized by gingival pockets, which form between the teeth and the gums. The deeper the pockets, the more severe the condition.

Treating Gingivitis

Gingivitis can be treated by brushing and flossing thoroughly and consistently. The brushing removes the plaque, which contains the acid-producing microbes, from the natural crowns of the teeth. The flossing cleans the plaque and debris from the spaces between the teeth and just underneath the gums. 

Dental tartar can house bacteria that can incite gum disease. Thus, in addition to cleaning your teeth at home, you should have the tartar accumulations removed during professional cleanings. The tartar, which is the plaque that has hardened into place, must be scraped from the teeth using a scaler. The dentist removes tartar buildup during professional dental cleanings, which are normally performed at least twice a year. 

If your gums are displaying signs of gingivitis, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your local area. Contact a company like New England Dental Specialists of Norwood to learn more.

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