Have you noticed your gums look a little puffy or bleed when you brush? You might be dealing with gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. It’s a common issue that the team at Pinnacle Dental helps people address. The good news is that with some extra care at home and professional support, you can help your gums feel healthy again.
Getting rid of gingivitis is possible with a combination of a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine and regular professional dental cleanings. This approach helps remove the plaque and tartar that irritate your gums, allowing them to heal and return to their natural, healthy state.
Know the Signs of Gingivitis
Gingivitis can be subtle at first, so a dental exam can help identify what to look for. You might notice 1 or more of these common signs, which are often warning signs, when you look in the mirror or clean your teeth.
- Gums that look red or swollen
- Gums that feel tender to the touch
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath
What Causes Gum Discomfort?
The main cause of gingivitis is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth, especially along the gumline. If you don’t remove it, it can irritate your gums. Other factors can also contribute to gum problems.
Plaque Buildup
When you eat sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in your mouth feed on them and create dental plaque. Daily brushing and flossing help remove it, but any that gets left behind can harden into tartar, which can lead to cavities that need tooth fillings. Tartar usually requires a professional cleaning to remove.
Other Risk Factors
Certain habits and health conditions can make you more likely to develop gingivitis. These include things like smoking, high levels of stress, or even hormonal changes, such as those that happen during pregnancy.
Your Role in Healthy Gums at Home
Your daily routine is your first line of defence against gingivitis. Simple, consistent habits can help stop gum irritation and support your oral health.
Brush & Floss a Better Way
Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, 2 times a day, using a fluoride toothpaste. A toothbrush with soft bristles is gentle on your gums, especially around any sore spots. You also need to clean between your teeth once a day with floss, following proper flossing techniques, to get rid of plaque where your brush can’t reach.
Add a Mouth Rinse
A simple saltwater rinse can help soothe sore gums. Just mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, swish for 30 seconds, and spit it out. An antimicrobial mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria in your mouth, though no rinse is a substitute for a consistent brushing and flossing routine.
Choose a Gum-Friendly Diet
What you eat also plays a part in your gum health. Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates feed the bacteria that cause plaque. On the other hand, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can help reduce food getting stuck in your mouth. A balanced diet supports your overall health, including your body’s ability to fight off gum infections.
How a Professional Dental Clean Can Help
While your home care is important, it can’t remove tartar, which is the hardened plaque that irritates your gums. A dental team has special tools to gently and effectively clean away tartar from above and below the gumline. This process, often called scaling, removes the buildup that your toothbrush can’t reach, following a thorough cleaning process to give your gums a fresh start.
Professional cleaning is a key step in reversing gingivitis and preventing it from returning. Understanding how often you should visit a dentist is also helpful. The team can check your gum health, provide a thorough cleaning, and give you personalized tips to keep your smile healthy.
Can You Reverse Gingivitis?
Yes, you can often reverse gingivitis. Because it’s the earliest stage of gum disease, no permanent damage has been done to the bone or tissue that supports your teeth. With consistent daily care and regular professional cleanings, your gums can return to a healthy state.
The key is to act when you first notice symptoms. If left alone, gingivitis can progress to a more serious periodontal disease.
Let’s Find Your Smile Together
At Pinnacle Dental, our warm and approachable team is here to help you and your family maintain healthy smiles for years to come. If you have concerns about your gums or are due for a checkup, schedule a visit today.
