Is Gingivitis Curable?

Is Gingivitis Curable? Gingivitis is simply inflammation of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. Ginigivitis especially in its earliest form is painless with mild symptoms. This causes many to be unaware that they are in the midst of the first stage of periodontal disease. If gingivitis is left untreated it can progress to more advanced stages of periodontal disease. Is gingivitis curable? Yes with proper professional care as well as diligent home dental hygiene care.

Causes Of Gingivitis

Gingivitis develops when plaque builds up along our teeth and gums. The plaque can then turn into what is called tartar. Tartar is a hard calcified deposit that forms on the teeth. This plaque and tartar acts as an irritant to your gum tissues. Your gum tissues react by starting the bodies inflammatory process. When at home dental hygiene is insufficient, bacteria in dental plaque and tartar release acids that stimulate the inflammatory response by the body. This will cause the gum tissues to appear puffy, red, and bleed easily upon brushing. Poor dental hygiene is the main cause of gingivitis. There are others that can contribute to its development. These can include:

–Prescription or Over The Counter Medications. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications have a common side effect causing dry mouth or xerostomia, and even sometimes gum overgrowth. Salivary flow is important to help keep your teeth clean by controlling the growth of bacteria as well as maintaining a neutral environment to prevent development of tooth decay. That means that decreased salivary flow can increase your risk for gingivitis (as well as tooth decay).

Many common medications including antidepressants, blood pressure medicines,  asthma inhalers, and common cold medications can reduce salivary flow in your mouth. Seizure medications, and some blood pressure medications can cause the gum tissue to grow abnormally. This extra tissue can make it more difficult to maintain dental hygiene. It is important you always read the side effects for any medications you are taking to ensure you take the proper steps like drinking more water and brushing more often following meals.

–Hormone Surge (as in pregnancy or puberty)

–Breathing Thru Your Mouth. Being a mouth breather your mouth will dry out quickly overnight. Oral dryness will increase the development of gingivitis and eventually periodontal disease.

–Dry Mouth –Inadequate Nutrition (Vitamin Deficiencies). A diet that is severely lacking in calcium and vitamins B and C can put you at risk for increased incidence of periodontal disease.

–Systemic Disease (example Diabetes). Viral infections and fungal infections can cause periodontal disease. Oral Thrush is a good example. Oral thrush occurs when a type of fungus that is normally occurring in the mouth gets out of control and forms oral lesions that can infect the tongue and gums. Another infection can be caused by the herpes virus. It is important to get these infections under control as soon as possible as they are extremely treatable in most cases. There are also other systemic diseases that can effect the oral tissue, such as oral cancer, and diabetes.

–Smoking Or Tobacco Use. Smoking tobacco products have a direct effect on our periodontal tissues by decreasing blood circulation to those tissues. This will cause an increase in inflammation. Chewing tobacco or smokeless tobacco is a direct irritant to our tissues. The presence of tobacco on our gums can actually cause the gum tissues to erode.

Marielaina Perrone DDS Dental Hygiene

Is Gingivitis Curable? Yes!

Gingivitis is curable in its earliest stages and can be easily reversed back to a healthy state. The following steps can help restore your periodontal tissues back to health:

–Brushing Properly. Surprisingly, many people do no brush correctly. It is recommended to use a soft, nylon brush with a soft touch to prevent gum tissue damage. A gentle, back and forth motion at a 45 degree angle is the preferred way to complete this easy task.

-Floss Regularly. Flossing should be a daily ritual. Flossing can remove food particles and plaque. Flossing should also be done gently as not to cause trauma.

–Mouthwash Use. Rinsing with an anti bacterial mouthwash can help dislodge food particles following meals. Rinsing with just plain water is helpful as well to maintain pH balance in your mouth.

-Improved Diet. Choosing a well balanced diet can contribute to better gum health as well as overall health. Be sure to get plenty of Vitamin C and calcium, which can decrease the risk of experiencing swollen gums.

–Reduce Stress. Increased stress can have a definite impact on our hormone levels. One hormone in particular, Cortisol can lead to gum inflammation. Use stress reducers whenever possible.

–Regular Dental Visits. Seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly can help prevent and diagnose any issues quickly and easily.

Is Gingivitis Curable? Self Diagnosis

Generally, the first sign most people notice is bleeding upon tooth brushing. Upon closer inspection, you might also notice your gum tissues will be red and inflamed. If you have any concerns contact your dentist for a complete evaluation and discuss how to answer the question is gingivitis curable. Other signs of gingivitis can include:

– pink toothpaste when rinsing

–Halitosis (Bad Breath)

-Redness of Gum Tissues

-Visible Tartar Present

-Constant Unexplained Bad Taste In Mouth

-Ulcerations Of The Gum Tissues

Is Gingivitis Curable? Conclusion

Is gingivitis curable with proper dental hygiene and lifestyle changes? The answer is a definite YES! By brushing and flossing regularly, you can have healthy gums again. See your dentist regularly for a happier, healthy smile.

If you are ready for a smile makeover, contact Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929 to schedule a no cost cosmetic consultation appointment. We cannot wait to help you with your smile makeover to create the smile of your dreams in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV.