Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. At this point, you may notice a bit of tenderness in your gums. They may bleed when you’re brushing your teeth. If you have this condition, it’s time to take action. Gingivitis treatment can be very effective at this stage. The longer you wait, the more complex gum disease can be. At Lovett Dental Missouri City, we can help reverse gingivitis effectively. To learn more about your treatment options, contact our team today at 281-969-5099.
How to Deal with Gingivitis at Home
Gingivitis is a type of inflammation of the gum tissue. You may not notice much change to your gums at this early stage, but bacteria are present. Your immune system is trying to fight off the bacteria’s growth, but it may become overwhelmed without more effective gingivitis treatment. We recommend coming in to see our periodontics team but also making some changes at home.
Improve Brushing Your Teeth
Work to brush your teeth at least two times a day. Floss at least once. This practice helps to control the development of bacteria in your mouth. It is best to brush after each meal if possible. By removing the sticky substances and food particles, you are minimizing the food sources for bacteria, allowing your immune system to get back on track.
Choose the Right Toothbrush
Ideally, it would be best to brush your teeth with a soft to medium bristle toothbrush without a lot of force. This practice can further damage the sensitive gums, leaving them more vulnerable to damage. It is a good idea to invest in an electric toothbrush. These can provide far more brushing power than a traditional manual toothbrush.
Improve Your Diet
Another at-home way to reverse gingivitis is to improve your diet. Here are a few tips:
- Eliminate or reduce sugar intake
- Stop drinking soda
- Improve fruit and vegetable intake to boost immune system health
- Avoid chewing gum
- Increase the amount of water you consume, especially with fluoride in it
Improving your diet can give your body the ability to keep bacteria at bay while also limiting sugar sources. Sugar helps to feel bacteria and is very hard to remove from the teeth.
Get Gingivitis Treatment from Your Dentist, Too
Some people with gum disease need more extensive treatment. That is when it is best to visit our periodontics team. However, your dentist can provide you with the help you need right away, too. With professional dental cleanings, we can remove a lot of the bacteria and plaque buildup that causes gingivitis to spread. Our team can provide you with more advanced gum disease treatment if it becomes necessary. This treatment may include options such as deep cleanings.
What to Do Right Now to Reverse Gum Disease
If you have gingivitis, or you suspect you do, schedule a consultation with our team. Let us provide a full exam and x-rays to meet your oral health needs. We can work closely with you to address your gingivitis through treatments such as:
- General dental cleanings
- Periodontal disease cleanings
- Root canals for cavities
- Dental fluoride treatments
- Dental sealant applications
You can reverse gingivitis and gum disease with routine dental care. Our team can provide that for you. Come in to see us at least one time every six months for cleanings and exams. If your gum disease worsens, our team will provide you with additional help, including periodontal disease care. You can protect your teeth and ensure your gums remain healthy with routine and specialized dental care.
Start with a Visit to Lovett Dental Missouri City
The sooner you take action against gingivitis, the better. Our team at Lovett Dental Missouri City can provide you with the periodontics services you need for all levels of gum disease. Please schedule a consultation with our team by calling 281-969-5099 today.