Effective Strategies on How to Get Rid of Gingivitis

• April 25, 2024
• Dr. Catherine-Anne Walsh

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile and neglecting gums can lead to gum disease such as periodontitis gingivitis.

This guide delves into practical steps on how to get rid of gingivitis, spot early symptoms and maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, an inflammatory condition typically caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth and gums.

Plaque is a soft, sticky film composed of bacteria, mucus and food particles. When plaque is not removed effectively, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, leading to developing gingivitis.

Gingivitis Symptoms:

Some symptoms of gingivitis might include the following:

• Inflammation: One of the primary signs of gingivitis is red, swollen gums that feel tender when touched.
• Bleeding: Gums affected by gingivitis often bleed during brushing or flossing.
• Sensitivity: You may notice your gums reacting sharply to hot or cold temperatures.
• Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath or halitosis is often a symptom of gingivitis and is caused by the bacteria in plaque that has accumulated along the gum line.

Causes of gingivitis include poor oral hygiene, lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition.

Causes of Gingivitis:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing will cause plaque to build up along the gumline.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and diabetes are risk factors.
• Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals are genetically more prone to gum disease than others.

How to Treat Gingivitis?

Gingivitis marks the early stages of gum disease but is often reversible with early treatment.

Effective treatment involves a combination of improved daily oral hygiene, professional dental care and sometimes the use of specific medications

The right dental products can help with preventing gingivitis from occurring.

Daily Oral Hygiene Practices

Good oral hygiene is your first line of defence against gingivitis:

• Brushing: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpastes to gently remove plaque without harming your gums.
• Flossing: Daily flossing is essential and it’s important to learn the correct technique to effectively clean between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Dental Check-Ups: Visiting a dentist regularly is important in removing tartar build-up and detecting early signs of gum problems.
• Deep Cleaning: Also known as scaling and root planing, deep cleaning can help reverse the signs of gingivitis and prevent the progression of gum disease.
• Balanced Diet: Nutrition plays a key role in oral health. Limit your intake of sugars and acids and boost your diet with crunchy fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins.
• Hydration: Staying hydrated aids in saliva production which naturally cleanses the mouth and gums.
• Avoid Tobacco: Smoking significantly increases the risk of gum disease. Quitting smoking can help with improving oral health.
• Stress Management: Stress can compromise the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections such as gingivitis.

Choosing the Right Products

You must have the right tools to prevent gingivitis from occurring.

• Toothbrush: Pick a soft-bristled brush to minimise gum damage and choose a fluoride toothpaste for its cavity-fighting and enamel-protecting properties.
• Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to eliminate bacteria in hard-to-reach places. Make sure you do so for at least 30 seconds.
• Tongue Scraper: Use a tongue scraper or brush to remove bacteria and reduce bad breath.
• Dental Floss: Choose the right dental floss and ensure that you’re utilising the right flossing techniques.

Other Ways to Treat Gum Disease

• Advanced Care: Regular follow-up appointments with your dentist for professional dental cleaning and to ensure your gingivitis is being managed effectively are essential.
• Antibiotic Therapy: In some persistent or severe cases, a dental professional might apply antibiotic gels or fibres directly to the gums to reduce bacteria and inflammation as part of gingivitis treatment.
• Oral Antibiotics: In cases where infection is more severe, gingivitis medication such as oral antibiotics may also be prescribed to eliminate infection-causing bacteria.

Embracing a Healthy Smile

By adopting preventative measures and obtaining professional guidance as needed, you can effectively manage gingivitis and enhance your overall oral health.

Contact The Dentist at 70 Pitt Street for Sydney residents.

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FAQs

Below, you can find more FAQs about how to get rid of gingivitis but if you need any more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Or you can use the online form to book an appointment.

What causes gingivitis?

Gingivitis is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums. You can remove bacterial plaque through brushing and flossing and if that’s not done, it can turn into hardened plaque which will further irritate the gum line and cause gum inflammation, redness and bleeding.

Is gingivitis reversible?

Yes, gingivitis is usually reversible with proper oral hygiene care and professional dental care. The key is to remove the plaque causing the inflammation. Regular brushing, flossing and dental professional cleanings can effectively remove plaque and reduce inflammation.

What happens if I don’t treat my gingivitis?

If not treated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to the loss of teeth and damage to the bone structure supporting your teeth. Periodontitis can also have systemic health implications, potentially contributing to or exacerbating certain conditions.

General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.