Treating Gingivitis Effectively

Do you have a problem with persistent halitosis or sensitive teeth? Are your gums red, swollen or inflamed? These are indicators of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. This condition is actually common today, and arise due to a variety of factors, including:

• Practicing poor oral hygiene that allows plaque to build up.
• Having a tobacco habit.
• Taking certain medications, including treating seizures or high blood pressure.
• Changing hormones, especially in women.
• Having a chronic disease or illness.

Gum tissue is irritated by the buildup of plaque around the base of the teeth when it hardens into a substance called tartar. This irritation allows pockets in the gum tissue to develop, harbors more plaque and tartar resulting in further irritation and inflammation in the gums. The good news is, treatment in the gingivitis stage is often reversible.

If, however, gingivitis is not treated, the disease worsens. Ongoing, degenerative gum disease eventually advances to periodontitis, a serious infection of your gums. When the disease is advanced to this point, you can lose jawbone material and eventually, teeth.

So how do you stop the progression of gingivitis? First, you will need to upgrade your daily oral hygiene care. This means brushing your teeth at least two times a day and flossing once to remove harmful plaque buildup and oral debris.

Second, you will be seeing your dentist for professional dental cleanings, which may need to be done more frequently. Our periodontal team can perform regular scaling and root planning to thoroughly clear away for plaque and tartar (hardened plaque). We offer a variety of treatments for gum disease at any stage.

If you are presently suffering the effects of gum disease, we invite you to reach out to our team in Gurnee, Illinois, for timely treatment. Our periodontists, Dr. Peter Domagala and Dr. Jennifer Shango have been effectively treating gum disease for a long time. Please call Institute of Dental Implants and Periodontics at 847-662-3414 to schedule your appointment and get the care you need.