Treatment for Your Gingivitis

Gum disease is a common problem for American adults of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half (over 47%) of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). By age 65, the percentage of Americans with periodontal disease jumps to 70%.

As the leading cause of tooth loss, preventing and treating gum disease as early as possible should be a priority for everyone, regardless of age. The good news is that when caught and treated early, gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) is reversible and won’t lead to long-term damage to your oral health.

At Scott Young, DDS, our dentists offer gingivitis treatment and general and cosmetic dentistry services at our office, located in The Woodlands, Texas.

Treatment for your gingivitis

Good oral hygiene combined with regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the best way to prevent gum disease and other common oral health problems like cavities. Gingivitis is caused by gum inflammation from bacteria, so brushing and flossing after meals and visiting our office every six months for a check-up are your best line of defense. 

Poor oral hygiene is one of the biggest risk factors for gingivitis, but other factors can increase the chances of developing gum disease, including:

• Smoking
• Family history
• Infections
• Aging
• Hormonal changes
• Taking certain medications
• Poor nutrition
• Compromised immune function

If you notice symptoms of gingivitis, such as bleeding when you brush and floss, bad breath, or red and swollen gums, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 

Dr. Young and our dental team offer a range of treatment options for gingivitis. In many cases, a few simple lifestyle modifications along with a deep dental cleaning are enough to treat and reverse your gingivitis symptoms.

If you have pockets between your gums and more extensive plaque and tartar buildup, Dr. Young may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure to remove the buildup. 

Why you shouldn’t ignore gingivitis symptoms or wait to get treatment

Gingivitis may not seem like a big deal, and in some cases, you may not even notice symptoms right away. However, gum disease is progressive, and the longer you wait to get treatment, the worse it gets. Gingivitis leads to irreversible damage to your teeth and gums over time, including loose teeth, changes to your bite, and even tooth loss.

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental exam, or if you’re experiencing gingivitis symptoms or risk factors, schedule an appointment for a dental exam to make sure that your gums are healthy.

For more information about gingivitis prevention and treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at our dental office in The Woodlands, Texas, or request an appointment online.