Curing gum disease

Gum disease has three distinct stages, beginning with gingivitis and progressing to the more worrisome stages of periodontitis and finally advanced periodontitis. While elder adults tend to experience higher levels of periodontitis, gingivitis is experienced by wide swaths of the population, affecting adults and children alike. If it is not treated, gingivitis can become a serious problem to contend with. Luckily, there are easy and effective treatments that can cure and even reverse gum disease.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis

Although gingivitis can start with no symptoms whatsoever, there are a number of signs and symptoms that begin to present themselves before long. Essentially, gingivitis is a form of inflammation that acts in response to bacteria from built up plaque and tartar irritating and beginning to infect the gum tissue near the teeth where it has not been effectively removed by brushing and flossing. Even in the stages in which it is still treatable, gingivitis can present in the form of slightly sore or swollen gums, gums that bleed easily during routine brushing or flossing, or even a bad taste or foul smell. Your gums might even appear to be redder than usual, or your teeth might be sore, especially where they meet the gums.

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is imperative that you make an appointment to be seen by your dentist right away, so that she or he can first evaluate the health of your gums and then, if necessary, take steps to treat any gingivitis you may be experiencing.

How is gingivitis treated?

Because gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, the first line of treatment for gingivitis is simply removing any plaque and tartar that has built up. This is done during the cleaning portion of your visit by your dental hygienist. As you may have noticed during past visits, she or he will use special instruments to scrape and chip away at any calcified deposits that have become adhered to your teeth. This will not only greatly reduce the amount of bacteria present in your mouth, it will also create a less hospitable environment for more plaque and tartar to build up.

Following your cleaning, your dentist will likely remind you that you have the power to prevent further run-ins with gum disease by simply sticking to a proper oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice a day (ensuring that you’re using the right technique and brushing for the full recommended two minutes) and flossing daily to remove the thin layer of plaque that begins to accumulate as we consume food and drinks throughout the day. Depending on the degree of gingivitis you have been experiencing, she or he may also recommend the use of an antiseptic mouth wash to ensure that the gun disease is completely resolved. By taking these simple steps, you can take charge or your oral health and ensure that you are not one of the millions of adults suffering the long-term consequences of advanced gum disease in the future.

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