If your gums are inflamed and bleed when you brush your teeth or bite into something crunchy such as an apple, you may be wondering how to cure gingivitis.
Gingivitis is far more than a nuisance – it’s the early stages of serious gum disease, which is why it’s important to know how to get rid of gingivitis and stop it in its tracks. In fact, gingivitis may be more of a big deal than you realise.
Were you aware for instance that the latter stages of gum disease (periodontitis) have been linked to many major health problems including heart and kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, osteoporosis and even Alzheimer’s?
The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with a bit of help from your dentist and commitment to oral care on your part. But before explaining how to cure gingivitis, let’s take a closer look at how to know if you have gingivitis, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from recurring.
How to know if you have gingivitis
Gingivitis is typically associated with bleeding gums, but can also be combined with any of the following symptoms:
- Tender or painful gums
- Gums which are redder than normal or even purple
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Gums which are receding
- Itchy gums
- Bad breath
Healthy gums should be firm and pink and wrapped tightly around your teeth. They shouldn’t bleed – ever!
While a spot of blood in your mouth shouldn’t necessitate a visit to an emergency dentist, it should be a cause of concern and is not something to feel fine about.
So what exactly is gingivitis?
To know how to get rid of gingivitis, it helps to know exactly what it is and how it is caused. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingiva or gums. In layman terms, it’s a gum infection.
The infection is your body’s way of responding to an accumulation of harmful bacteria in the tiny gap between the teeth and gums. When bacteria build up in this way they form a layer of plaque, or biofilm.
When plaque is left on the teeth, it hardens and turns into tartar. This may happen above or below the gum line, but when it occurs below the gum line, it becomes more serious because it causes inflammation.
When this condition becomes chronic (periodontitis) it can lead to gum erosion, loss of bone structure surrounding a tooth or teeth, and eventual tooth loss.
What causes gingivitis?
So, you’re probably wondering what has caused your gingivitis in the first place. This can be a result of several factors including:
- Poor brushing and/or flossing techniques
- A weak immune system
- Sugary diet
How to get rid of gingivitis
Gingivitis is reversible and can be easily treated, sometimes by yourself at home, although we recommend that you first speak to your dentist.
While gingivitis is reversible, like with many dental problems, the earlier you spot the symptoms, the easier it is to treat.
First things first – Book an appointment with No Gaps Dental
We recommend you book an appointment with your No Gaps dentist when you first notice blood when brushing or flossing your teeth. Certainly, make sure you schedule a clean for no more than 6 months after your last appointment.
Your dentist will be able to locate the source of the bleeding and may recommend scaling and root planing treatment. When you have a build-up of plaque and tartar on and above the gum line, it can cause deep pockets to form in the soft tissues which results in the gum lifting away from the teeth.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical ‘deep-clean’ and involves removing all the plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and roots. Don’t worry, you’ll be given a local anaesthetic to relieve any discomfort. The roots will then be planed to make them smooth, so that bacteria can’t adhere. This allows your gums to heal and attach themselves snugly around your teeth once more.
Your dentist will follow up on your progress to check that the gums are healing, and your pockets are diminishing. If everything has responded well, you may not need any further treatment. For most people, gingivitis will clear up within 2 to 3 weeks.
Rethink your diet
While your gums are healing, try to steer clear of processed bread, crackers, sugars, and pasta. Eat a more nutritious diet including leafy greens and fresh fruit and give your food a kick of spice to help fight inflammation, using spices such as ginger, turmeric as well as garlic.
Brush up on your technique
Gingivitis can sneak up on you without warning, which is why it’s so important to schedule regular six-monthly check-ups. Good oral care at home is also essential to keep gingivitis at bay.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
- When the bristles are worn, replace your toothbrush
- Floss daily between your teeth and any bridgework and around crowns and implants
- Stop smoking or at least try and cut down
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash
Our final tip is to be more vigilant in checking your gums for signs of gum disease.
So, there you have it. How to cure gingivitis and how to get rid of gingivitis. If you suspect you may have gingivitis or you’re way overdue a check-up with your dentist, then isn’t it about time you booked an appointment with the No Gaps dental clinic of your choice.