What is Gingivitis, and How Can I Treat it?

If you’ve experienced inflammation of the gums, or bleeding while brushing your teeth you may have gingivitis. Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease that can be treated with the right dental care.

Signs Of Gingivitis

The main signs that you may be suffering from gingivitis is red puffy gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. With good oral hygiene, such as brushing longer and more often, and flossing, gingivitis will often resolves itself. In mild cases of gingivitis, the patient may be unaware that they have it. However, it should always be taken seriously and met with proper dental care.

Types of Gingivitis

There are two main types of gingivitis, dental-plaque induced, and non dental plaque induced.

Dental plaque induced gingival disease is caused by plaque buildup around the gums, medications, systemic factors, or malnutrition.

Non-plaque induced gingival lesions are caused by specific bacteria, virus or fungus. It is also caused by various genetic factors, conditions, wounds or dentures.

Causes

The most common cause of gingivitis is plaque buildup on the teeth and around the gums. The buildup of plaque triggers a natural immune response which can then lead to the destruction of gum tissue. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to more complications and even result in losing teeth.

Other Causes

Some diseases- Diabetes, cancer, and HIV are linked to a high risk of gingivitis

Smoking- Regular smokers are more likely to contract gingivitis than non-smokers.

Changes in Hormones- This may occur during puberty, the menstrual cycle, menopause,or pregnancy. The gingiva might become more sensitive, which raises the risk of inflammation.

Poor Diet- Vitamin C deficiency had been linked to gingivitis

Treatment

Gingivitis can be reversed when diagnosis happens quickly. Treatment includes professional dental care followed by at home care.

When receiving professional care the dentist will remove tartar and plaque build up on all the teeth and show a patient how to brush and floss properly to avoid another case.

The dentists at Gentle Dental Family Care are among some of the best dentists in Kew Gardens,Queens. They will work with you to come up with a plan to best treat your gingivitis or any other oral health concerns that you may have.

Care at Home

Gentle Dental Family Care professionals advise patients to:

brush teeth at least twice a day
use an electric toothbrush
floss teeth at least once a day
regularly rinse mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash

When it comes to your health, both that of your mouth and your overall well-being, trust in the dentists at Gentle Dental Family Care. We are the best dental practice in the Kew Gardens Queens, NY 11415 area and are open on Sundays as well as late evenings. We also are an emergency practice and will accommodate any and all patients that walk in. To learn more about our various procedures call (718)849-9797 We hope to see you soon!

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