Treating Gingivitis

Treating Gingivitis

Treatments for Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes inflammation of the gums. While it is treatable by dental gumdiseaseprofessionals, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis. Luckily, here at Smiles for All Ages in Rockville, MD, your dentist, Dr. Mehr Tucker, offers treatments that can rid your mouth of gingivitis. Read on to learn more!

 

Good Oral Hygiene

The best way to treat gingivitis is to practice good oral hygiene, for the condition can usually be reversed with regular flossing and brushing, combined with professional dental cleanings by a dentist. Adding mouthwashes that have antibacterial properties to your routine can also help you fight gingivitis. Additionally, some dentists recommend special toothbrushes, which may be a more effective method of removing plaque than standard toothbrushes.

 

Dental Restorations

Your treatment plan may include alterations to any existing tooth restorations. Crooked teeth, poorly fitting dental bridges, crowns, or other tooth restorations may irritate your gums and make it difficult to remove dental plaque during daily oral care. If problems with your teeth or tooth restorations contribute to your gum disease, your dental provider may recommend fixing these issues.

 

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Your cleaning will include removing all traces of dental plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth and root surfaces. Scaling and root planing help to reduce the pockets that develop between your teeth and gums and heal gum tissue. As long as you continue good oral hygiene at home, gingivitis usually clears up after a deep cleaning.

 

Antimicrobials/Antibiotics

Antimicrobial therapy is the use of chemicals to slow down or destroy the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease. The two most common forms of this therapy are antibiotics and antiseptics. Antibiotics are taken by mouth or placed under the gums to treat gingivitis. Antiseptics are found in mouth rinses. Antiseptics show potential for treating gingivitis. In addition, a toothpaste that contains an antibiotic, fluoride, and triclosan is often recommended

 

Need oral care? Give us a call!

If you think that you may have gingivitis, don't delay—call Smiles for All Ages at 301-963-8900 today to schedule a dental consultation in Rockville, MD!