If you look in the mirror and notice that your gums are red and swollen, you may be dealing with gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and, luckily, it can be reversed. How can you treat gingivitis and how long until your gums return to normal? In this blog, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of gingivitis so you can better understand this unique condition.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Gingivitis is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. When not removed through daily brushing and flossing, the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums, causing them to become red and swollen and bleed easily.
Habits like smoking and certain conditions like diabetes can also lead to and exacerbate gingivitis.
When left untreated, gingivitis will progress to gum disease, a condition that affects not only the gums but the roots and supportive tooth bone too. Over time, the gums will begin to pull away from the tooth, exposing more of the root and making the tooth become loose. Gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and it has also been associated with serious health conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease.
How Is Gingivitis Treated
If your gums are red and bleed easily, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. Quick action can help treat and revert the condition.
Here's what the treatment involves:
- Professional Dental Cleaning: The most effective way to treat gingivitis is to get a professional dental cleaning. The dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that you simply cannot remove at home with regular brushing or flossing.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: You will also need to step up your at-home oral care. Brush after every meal or at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss every night. You should also use antimicrobial mouthwash to remove more plaque.
How Long Will It Take for Gingivitis to Heal?
With professional cleanings and consistent oral hygiene, you can expect to see improvements within 7 to 14 days. Of course, this is just a general timeline as many factors can influence the recovery time:
- The Severity of the Condition: Advanced stages of gingivitis might take longer to heal due to increased inflammation and damage.
- Your Commitment to Oral Hygiene: How well you care for your oral health plays a significant role in how fast the gingivitis will go away.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: If you have certain conditions such as diabetes, then you can expect a longer recovery time.
- Smoking: Smoking can exacerbate gum diseases and lengthen the healing process.
Prevention is Key
Remember, gingivitis is preventable. Regular dental check-ups, maintaining good oral hygiene, and leading a healthy lifestyle are essential in preventing gingivitis and ensuring good oral health.
If you are worried about your gums' health, schedule an appointment with and get the right treatment.
Contact Dental 1 online and request an appointment or call us at (617) 698-0600 and tell us about your oral health issue.