What Is Gingivitis and How Is It Treated?

If you haven’t been brushing, flossing, or getting your teeth professionally cleaned, chances are you’ve developed a condition called gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. The good news is that proper oral hygiene practices and a little help from your trusted team at Avalon Dental Care can reverse gingivitis and restore your healthy smile.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease. Symptoms include red, swollen, and tender gums, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, gums that bleed easily, and lingering bad breath. If left untreated, early gum disease can advance to periodontitis, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

How Does Gingivitis Develop?

Without good oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings, plaque and tartar can deposit on the teeth. Plaque bacteria irritate the gum tissues, causing inflammation and infection.

While most cases of gingivitis develop due to poor oral hygiene, additional risk factors include having crooked teeth that are hard to clean, smoking or chewing tobacco, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and dry mouth. Inflammation of the gums is also a side effect of certain medications and can result from some medical conditions, including diabetes.

How Is Gingivitis Treated?

The first line of treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis is a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. Scaling is similar to a routine dental cleaning. It involves using an instrument called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and in between the teeth. When it comes to root planing, our dental hygienist will clean and smooth out the tooth root surfaces to encourage the gum tissue to heal.

Another essential component of a gingivitis treatment plan is maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine, including brushing your teeth, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. If you see any signs of gingivitis, make sure to visit Avalon Dental Care right away. Our team will evaluate your condition and help restore your healthy smile.

Quality Preventive Care in El Segundo and Lomita

We invite you to contact Avalon Dental Care to schedule your routine dental exam and cleaning. Our preventive services are designed to keep dental disease at bay to ensure you enjoy long-term healthy smiles. You can always count on our team for the highest level of care and service. Call us and schedule your appointment today!