Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, could develop for a number of reasons and over time, cause your gums to become swollen, sore, red, or lead to frequent bleeding too. In today’s blog, your Baxter, MN, dentist explains what you can do to fight gingivitis and prevent gum disease, both at home and in our office!
The Cause of Gingivitis (and Long-Term Impacts)
When we don’t care for our teeth as we should, and we consume a diet high in sugary or starchy foods, this could create plaque buildup. As plaque coats the surfaces of the teeth, they irritate and inflame the gingival tissues. Soon, gingivitis could arise and you could experience sore, red, or bleeding gums. Unless treated, this could cause the tissues to pull away from the teeth and form deep periodontal pockets. Once bacteria enter these pockets, gum disease forms. While gingivitis can be reversed, gum disease cannot, and care is then needed on a regular basis to prevent the later stages of the disease, which are often linked to adult tooth loss.
The Scaling and Root Planing
To help reverse the issue, we may suggest a scaling and root planing. Also known as a deep cleaning, this procedure involves using an ultrasonic scaling device to remove buildup from both the teeth and the roots as well. Depending on the extent of your buildup, this could take only one visit, or up to four. We then polish the teeth thoroughly and afterward, recommend route cleanings every three to four months to continue to control plaque buildup and protect your gingival tissues.
Better Care at Home
You can also take preventive actions at home to safeguard your smile. For example, try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, as well as foods high in starch, as these leave behind food particles to feed bacteria and cause plaque and tartar accumulation. We also suggest avoiding cigarettes and tobacco products, which also promote inflammation, as well as a higher cancer risk! Routine care should also include brushing your teeth when you wake up and again before bed for at least two minutes each session. To remove what a toothbrush alone cannot reach, including bits of food caught in the gum line, you need to floss up and down each side of every tooth before bed each evening. If you have any questions about treating or preventing issues like inflammation, or about addressing periodontal disease, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Sore, Bleeding Gums?
Contact Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN today by calling (218) 454-0523 to learn more about our approach to preventive dental care. We want to help keep both your gums and teeth healthy and strong for years to come.