If you’ve noticed your gums bleeding or looking red and swollen, you might be wondering, “How do I get rid of gingivitis?” As the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis is a sign that you need to be more proactive about your oral health. The good news is that gingivitis is both preventable and reversible if you take the right steps.
So how can you treat gingivitis? We’ll walk you through the steps you need to take, including effective treatments and symptoms to watch for, to restore your gums and smile to health. If you need a periodontist in Utah, we have offices in Salt Lake City and South Jordan and offer competitive pricing! Our offices are conveniently located near Bountiful, West Valley, Herriman, Sandy, Draper, and even Lehi.
What Is Gingivitis?
Before we answer “How do I get rid of gingivitis?” let’s talk about what exactly gingivitis is. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, bleeding, and swelling of the gums, especially around the base of your teeth. It’s common and can happen to anyone, but the good news is that it’s usually reversible with good oral hygiene and proper care.
Although gingivitis is reversible, you still need to take it seriously. When not treated, gingivitis can eventually lead to periodontitis and even tooth loss. That’s why it’s important to watch for the early signs of gingivitis and take care of it as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Gingivitis can sometimes be painless, so you might not realize you have it. Look out for these common signs:
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Tender or receding gums (your teeth might look longer.
Healthy gums, on the other hand, are firm, pink, and fit snugly around your teeth. They don’t bleed when you brush or floss and aren’t swollen or tender. Healthy gums play an important role in keeping your teeth in place.
Gingivitis Treatments
If you notice the symptoms of gingivitis, you’re probably going to ask next, “How do I get rid of gingivitis?” Don’t worry. With the right care, you can reverse it. The goal is to remove plaque and tartar, reduce gum inflammation, and prevent the problem from getting worse. Here’s how to treat and manage gingivitis:
- Improve your oral health: The first step is to better your at-home oral care routine. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Focus on the gumline, where plaque tends to build up. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and below the gumline. Rinse with an antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria.
- Go in for regular dental cleanings: Visit your dentist or hygienist for regular cleanings, usually twice a year. They will remove plaque and tartar buildup, which contribute to gingivitis. They will also polish your teeth to smooth surfaces, making it harder for plaque to stick.
- Treat underlying health issues: Conditions like diabetes or dry mouth can worsen gingivitis. Managing these health issues, such as by controlling your blood sugar, can improve the health of your gums.
- Quit smoking: Smoking weakens your gums’ ability to heal. If you smoke, quitting can significantly improve the success of gingivitis treatment.
- Consider prescription products: If your case is severe, your dentist may recommend prescription antibiotic mouthwash, antimicrobial toothpaste, or medicated dental procedures like deeper cleaning (root planing) if necessary.
- Brush correctly: If you brush too aggressively, you can irritate your gums further. Brush softly, moving in gentle circles around the gumline and on all sides of your teeth.
- Balance your diet: Sugary foods and drinks contribute to the formation of plaque, so limit these and focus on eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Rinse with salt water: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can reduce inflammation of your gums and promote healing. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water, and swish for thirty seconds.
How Long Does It Take to Go Away?
The time it takes for gingivitis to go away depends on how severe it is and how consistent you are with treatment. With proper care, most cases can improve quite a bit within 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take a little longer–up to a few months–for your gums to fully heal. Once you’ve managed to get rid of your gingivitis, you’ll need to stay on top of your oral hygiene or risk it coming back.
If your gingivitis doesn’t improve within a few weeks of diligent care, it’s time to see your dentist. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which takes much longer to treat and may require more intensive dental procedures.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The main culprit behind gingivitis is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which irritates your gums and makes them inflamed. Other factors that increase your risk include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Hormonal changes (like during pregnancy or puberty)
- Certain medications that affect saliva production
- A diet low in nutrients (especially a lack of Vitamin C)
- Health conditions like diabetes or weakened immunity
- Age
- Dry mouth
Conclusion
If you’re seeing symptoms of gingivitis, such as red, swollen gums, it’s time to take action. So how do I get rid of gingivitis? First, you’ll want to make sure you’re keeping up with regular oral hygiene–brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. You can also rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash to get rid of bacteria. See your hygienist regularly for cleanings, and take care of health conditions that put you at risk for gingivitis.
If you have any more questions about how to get rid of your gingivitis, or if you need professional help, the team at Utah Periodontal Specialists can help. We offer deep cleanings to target plaque and tartar that worsen your symptoms. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
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