Inflamed gums or gingivitis can affect anyone. You may take great care of your teeth and get them cleaned by your dental hygienist twice a year and still have gum inflammation.
The good news is that in most cases, you can treat it at home. If it does not resolve, please call your dentist to have them take a look at it. As with any other medical condition, things tend to get worse. Gingivitis could be the sign of another more serious dental or medical condition.
But first, let’s discuss what gum inflammation is: Gum Inflammation can occur when teeth are not brushed and flossed effectively. Don’t be so hard on yourself, plaque re-colonizes your teeth two hours after you brush them. The gum tissue then becomes infected and inflamed, which can lead to periodontal (bone) disease.
However, not everyone is at the same risk for gum disease. The people who are most at risk are the following:
- Smokers
- Patients with cancer or who are in chemotherapy treatment
- Women experiencing hormonal changes, like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
- Poor eating habits, unhealthy diet including acidic or sugary foods. 5. Stress
- Systemic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Obesity
- Over the age of 65
- Genetics
If you are on this high-risk list or know someone who is, there are certain things you can do to treat gum inflammation. Here are some treatments you can try:
- A healthy diet and a good home regimen of brushing, flossing, and the use of a water pic as needed.
- Regular cleanings and hygiene appointments. The removal of plaque and calculus will remove the source of bacteria, and can prevent inflammation and gum disease.
- Deep teeth cleaning (scaling and root planning). This is not a regular cleaning. Instead, your dentist or hygienist uses special manual tools or ultrasonic devices to remove plaque below the gum line and in the pocket area between the teeth and gums. Root planing treatments remove plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth using a scaling instrument. If everything goes according to plan, the gums will reattach to the tooth at a healthier level. This procedure takes several appointments and follow-ups.
- Gum graft surgery involves reatttaching soft tissue where the gums have receded. This procedure can help restore tooth function and reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Flap surgery allows periodontists to remove infection deep underneath the gum line. A small incision is first made in the gums, which are lifted to remove underlying bacteria. Then, once the tissue is clean, it is tightly reattached around the tooth. This technique helps prevent more tartar from forming.
- Bone grafting. Gum inflammation can erode the bone surrounding the tooth root. After the socket is cleaned, a graft made of small bone fragments (usually synthetic bone) is placed into the socket to promote bone growth.
Gum inflammation can be treated and cured, especially if it is detected early. However, if you are still having sensitivity or pain after a few months, please call your dentist immediately. All Smiles Bethesda has experienced dentists and dental hygienists who can take care of your gum inflammation issues. If you would like to schedule an appointment for you or your family, please call us at 301-984-9646 email us at: info@allsmilesbethesda.com or lorraine@allsmilesbethesda.com.
We serve the Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, and the Washington, DC area.