How Long Does Gingivitis Take To Heal?
Gum disease is the inflammation of the gum tissue. In its initial stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis. The word gingivitis is derived from “gingiva” – meaning the gums and “itis” – meaning inflammation. The word gingivitis, therefore, means inflammation of the gums.
Gum disease is mainly caused by plaque and bacteria attacks along the gum line. When you don’t brush and floss thoroughly, leftover food particles mix with the harmful bacteria in the mouth, forming plaque, which hardens to tartar. With time, plaque and tartar deposit on the teeth’s surfaces and along the gum line. These deposits irritate and infect the gum tissues, causing inflammation.
At this stage, gum disease shows no to a few side effects. Fortunately, gingivitis is completely treatable and reversible. Even better, the treatment is easy, less costly, and minimally invasive. Continue reading to find out more about gingivitis.
How long does it take to treat gingivitis?
As long as you seek treatment and comply with your dentist’s instructions, gingivitis will dramatically reduce within a few weeks. More advanced gingivitis may take longer to heal and reverse. Treating gingivitis as soon as possible is essential to prevent it from developing into an advanced gum disease known as periodontitis. Our dentist in Mesa, AZ, can create several techniques to treat your condition and facilitate faster healing.
Is gingivitis serious?
While early gingivitis shows no to few symptoms, it should never be ignored. Gingivitis can lead to ugly and uncomfortable side effects such as bleeding, red, or swollen gums. Keep in mind that the condition can also worsen or increase your risk of health conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy complications, and heart problems. Early stages of gingivitis can be treated with simple procedures such as good at-home dental hygiene and deep cleaning.
If left untreated, gingivitis progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more progressive and irreversible condition. At this stage, you can experience severe symptoms such as tooth loss, gum recession, and bone damage. While treatment is available, you can expect more invasive and relatively costly procedures like gum surgery and bone grafting.
What are the stages of gingivitis?
- Gingivitis
It’s the first stage of gum disease. Good oral hygiene, along with regular oral checkups and cleanings, can help prevent and manage it easily. Bleeding, tender, and swollen gums are common symptoms of gingivitis to watch out for. Common treatments for gingivitis include good at-home dental hygiene, root planing, and scaling.
- Early Periodontitis
If not treated correctly and on time, gingivitis progress to early periodontitis. This is a serious condition characterized by inflamed gum tissues around the teeth.
- Advanced periodontitis
It’s a severe and irreversible stage of gum disease. At this point, you might experience loose teeth or tooth loss, immense pain and aggravation, and bone damage. Treatments may involve bone grafting, gum surgery, and dental implants.
How to prevent Gingivitis
Typically, gingivitis is avoidable. This means that there’s something you can do to prevent it from developing or progressing. Use these tips:
- Brush at least twice daily. Floss daily. This helps get rid of food leftover particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of developing gum disease.
- Regular dental checkups and cleanings. Even with thorough brushing, you might still be unable to clean the dark areas of your mouth thoroughly. During regular dental checkups and cleanings, your dentist will clean your mouth, significantly reducing your risk of gum disease.
- Avoid tobacco products. Smoking considerably increases your risk of gum disease and other oral issues like dry mouth and oral cancer. Avoiding tobacco products will help you maintain healthy gums.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash. Regularly rinse your mouth with an ADA-approved antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent plaque and bacteria attacks. Consult a dentist near you for recommendations on Approved mouthwashes.
- Eat a healthy diet and hydrate well
- Seek oral care immediately if you notice any signs of gingivitis.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Seeking professional care as soon as possible is the best way to treat and reverse gingivitis. For more information about gum disease and overall dental health care, contact U Smile Family Dentistry.