Here’s How You Can Fight Gingivitis Before it Begins

Do you see a tinge of pink in your spit after brushing your teeth every once in a while? The discoloration is likely blood and may mean you have a gum infection or gingivitis.

While not a dental emergency, gingivitis is an early sign of gum disease, a serious dental infection that may lead to tooth loss. 

When it comes to gum disease and gingivitis, prevention is the best remedy. At Solay Dental in Oldsmar, New Port Richey, and Brandon, Florida, our skilled dental team specializes in preventive dental care. 

We want to explain how you can fight gingivitis before it begins.

The problem with gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild gum infection that causes red and swollen gums that may sometimes bleed. It’s the first stage of gum disease, a more serious infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that surrounds the teeth, leading to tooth loss.

The infection is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and under the gums. Plaque is a sticky substance made by bacteria in your mouth. When not brushed or removed with floss, plaque hardens into tartar, trapping the bacteria on your teeth and gums.

The moist and warm environment in your mouth makes a perfect growing environment for the bacteria, leading to an infection. You may not have any symptoms in the early stages, but over time the infection may cause your gums to redden, swell, and bleed. 

Gingivitis also causes bad breath and makes your mouth more sensitive. Preventing gingivitis is the best way to fight it.

How to prevent gingivitis

Taking care of your teeth and gums is how you fight gingivitis before it begins. It starts with a good oral health routine at home. Brushing your teeth twice a day removes plaque from the surface of your teeth before it turns into tartar. Flossing once a day helps scrape away the bacteria and plaque from between your teeth.

Unfortunately, brushing and flossing aren’t enough to prevent gingivitis. Tartar forms fast and brushing and flossing may not be enough. Professional dental cleanings at least every six months are the only way to remove tartar. Our hygienists use a special tool to scrape the tartar from the teeth and gums.

Regular cleanings reduce the risk of a buildup of plaque and tartar that leads to the infection. Not smoking and limiting sugary foods also help keep the mouth healthy.

Treating gingivitis

If you have gingivitis, you need periodontal care to manage the infection so it doesn’t progress. We perform a procedure called scaling and root planing, where we remove bacteria from deep under the gum and smooth your tooth root to prevent bacteria from sticking to the root.

Professional cleaning can clear up the infection, but it may come back. Keeping your mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing and routine visits to the dentist is how you prevent reinfection. Antimicrobial mouthwash may also help keep bacteria levels low.

Taking good care of your teeth is the best way to fight gingivitis before it begins. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental visit, it’s time to come in and see us. Call us today or book an appointment online.