Why and how to treat gingivitis?
Red, painful gums, bleeding when brushing? You’re probably suffering from gum inflammation. How can gingivitis be treated? What are the warning signs? When should you consult your dentist? Studio Paro, a dental practice specializing in diseases of the periodontium (the supporting structure of the teeth), gives you its advice.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by the proliferation of bacteria present in dental plaque. To combat these unwanted guests, the body develops an inflammatory reaction: this is gingivitis. While effective brushing twice a day and regular scaling are the best preventive measures, gingivitis can still occur.
Symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding gums when brushing, swelling and redness of the gums, sometimes accompanied by pain on contact with the toothbrush and labored breath.
If left untreated, gingivitis can spread to deeper tissues and lead to periodontitis. This inflammation, which often goes unnoticed for many months, can have serious repercussions on your oral and general health.
Gingivitis has similar symptoms to periodontitis, so it’s important to consult your dentist if your troubles persist.
Techniques and tips for treating gingivitis at home
You can prevent gingivitis by adopting a few simple gestures:
- Prefer gentle brushing, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a plaque developer.
- Brush all tooth surfaces: top, tongue side, cheek side
- Use interdental brushes to remove deposits between teeth
- Finish with a suitable mouthwash
Are your gums red and inflamed? Don’t panic: you can treat gingivitis by brushing your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This soothes the gums and reduces inflammation. If the problem persists, it may be a sign of periodontal disease: make an appointment with a dentist without delay.
What are the advantages of treating gingivitis at home?
The main advantage of treating gum inflammation at home is that you can react to the first symptoms. This minimizes the risk of complications, particularly periodontal damage.
By adopting good habits, such as cutting back on sugars and quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk of gingivitis. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, such as fruit, vitamin D and omega-3s, such as oily fish, nuts and seeds.
As soon as one or more symptoms of gingivitis appear, it’s important to call your dentist as soon as possible to find out what bone damage is affecting your gums. Your dentist will then take an X-ray to determine whether you have periodontitis, which progresses rapidly and quietly.
When should you call your dentist to treat gingivitis?
The symptoms of gum disease are very similar to those of periodontitis. That’s why, if the symptoms don’t disappear quickly, it’s imperative to consult a dentist.
The practitioner will be able to examine your mouth, gums and teeth, and determine whether inflammation is accompanied by bone loss, a sign of periodontal disease. If so, a plaque analysis will detect the presence of the bacteria responsible for periodontitis. The periodontal dentist can then implement the appropriate treatment and avoid any risk of tooth loosening.
To take advantage of a complete oral check-up and discover the treatment of gingivitis, book an appointment at Studio Paro, Lyon 3.