What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva, or the gums. When the pink area around your teeth is inflamed, bleeding, puffy, sore, or looks red, these are indications that you have gingivitis. The mere touch of your gums may cause bleeding, and you may complain that your gums are sore.
What causes gingivitis?
Gingivitis is caused mainly due to neglect and lack of care for your gums, which includes regular brushing and or flossing the teeth. Sometimes hormonal changes can lead to gingivitis, as we sometimes find it in pregnant women. However, usually, it's due to lack of regular brushing and flossing.
How is gingivitis diagnosed?
We diagnose gingivitis by looking at your gums. If we see characteristics of puffiness, redness, soreness upon touching, and bleeding, this is a telltale sign that you have gingivitis.
What can a dentist do to treat gingivitis?
Gingivitis is very treatable. Treatment starts with a diagnosis, followed by a cleaning, and then home care, which includes brushing after every meal if possible and flossing. Regular visits to your dentist are also very important in treating gingivitis.
What can I do at home to treat gingivitis?
To treat gingivitis at home, it's important to brush every day, preferably three times a day, but at the minimum morning and night. Flossing and using a water irrigator, also known as a Waterpik, can also help.
How long does it take to cure gingivitis with a good treatment program?
If one is diagnosed with gingivitis, it usually takes about seven days to completely cure, especially if you are regularly brushing and flossing.
When should I schedule a medical appointment if I suspect I have gingivitis?
Schedule an appointment immediately if you suspect you may have gingivitis based on symptoms of bleeding, puffiness, and red-looking gums. Gingivitis can progress onto something else known as periodontitis.
Can you please give us your contact details?
If you feel that you have gingivitis or you haven't been to your dentist in a while, please feel free to give us a call here at SweetHart Dental. You can reach us at (954) 437-9288, or you can also go online to https://sweethartdental.com and schedule an appointment for a consultation or for a cleaning appointment.