Gingivitis: What It Is and How to Treat It

Gingivitis is a common condition that affects the gums, and if left untreated, can lead to more serious gum disease. It is caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth, which leads to inflammation and irritation of the gums. Symptoms of this condition include redness and swelling in the gums, bad breath, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and receding gums.

Fortunately, there are ways to treat gingivitis before it progresses into a more serious form of gum disease. The first step is to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash after meals and snacks, and visiting your dentist every six months for professional cleanings. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush will help remove plaque from your teeth without damaging your gums. Additionally, quitting smoking or using tobacco products can also help reduce symptoms of gingivitis as smoking can worsen the condition.

If you’re already experiencing symptoms of this condition such as redness or swelling in your gums or bleeding when brushing or flossing it’s important to see your dentist right away so they can assess the severity of your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options. Treatments may include scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning procedure), antibiotics to control bacterial infection in the mouth, laser therapy for severe cases where bacteria has penetrated deep into tissue below the gum line; or periodontal surgery for more advanced cases where pockets have formed between teeth due to bone loss from periodontal disease.

Gingivitis is a common but preventable condition that affects many people each year – but thankfully there are ways you can treat it before it progresses into something more serious like periodontal disease. By practicing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily you can help reduce symptoms associated with this condition while also preventing future problems from occurring down the line!

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Tags:

Gingivitis, Plaque, Symptoms, Oral Hygiene, Fluoride Toothpaste, Flossing, Antiseptic Mouthwash, Soft-Bristled Toothbrush, Smoking/Tobacco Products, Redness/Swelling Gums, Bleeding when Brushing/Flossing, Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning Procedure), Antibiotics to Control Bacterial Infection in the Mouth, Laser Therapy for Severe Cases of Gingivitis. Periodontal Surgery for Advanced Cases of Periodontal Disease.,

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