How to get rid of gingivitis

Key takeaways

• Gingivitis is a very common condition that causes swollen, bleeding gums. It’s caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria underneath your gums.
• You can reverse gingivitis completely by working with a dental professional. Improved oral hygiene, including thoroughly brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice per day, is the primary recommendation.
• In some cases, dentists might recommend professional cleaning procedures to manage gingivitis. They may also prescribe medicated mouthwashes like Periogard.

Overview

Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums and even dental pain. Gingivitis tends to be progressive, so it’s important to catch it quickly so you can treat it and stop its progression.

It’s possible to manage gingivitis yourself at home, but you may also need a treatment plan discussed with a dentist or other healthcare professional.

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What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a form of gum inflammation that happens when a bacterial substance called plaque builds up on your teeth below your gum line and causes swelling. This can happen due to improper dental hygiene, but it also has other causes, such as:

• hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
• vitamin C deficiencies
• underlying conditions like leukemia
• certain medications that make plaque hard to remove

As well as swelling in your gums, gingivitis may cause other symptoms, including:

• tooth sensitivity
• gum redness or tenderness
• bleeding gums when you brush or floss
• pain when chewing
• foul-smelling breath

If you think you have gingivitis, it’s important to contact a dentist as soon as possible, as gingivitis can be reversed if it’s caught and managed in its early stages. The earliest sign of gingivitis is generally swollen gums that bleed easily.

How to treat gingivitis at home

One key method to reverse gingivitis at home is practicing good oral hygiene. This usually involves brushing your teeth thoroughly twice per day with toothpaste and flossing between your teeth to remove dental plaque.

The best toothpaste for gingivitis is generally one containing fluoride. Most standard toothpastes on the market contain sodium fluoride, but some research suggests that those containing stannous fluoride may be more effective at managing gingivitis because they have better antibacterial properties.

You can also try mouthwashes to manage gingivitis. You should try to look for an antiseptic mouthwash, which can help fight bacteria in the mouth.

You should aim to use mouthwash at a different time from brushing your teeth. Using mouthwash directly after brushing risks washing away the fluoride in the toothpaste, which can reduce its effect.

If you smoke, dentists also recommend quitting smoking to manage gingivitis. This is because people who smoke are at a higher risk of dental problems like gum disease.

If you implement these home remedies, gingivitis can be reversed quickly, within a few days or weeks.

How to treat gingivitis medically

In many cases, home remedies for gingivitis will be combined with medical treatments from dentists and other healthcare professionals, including procedures and medications.

One of the most common procedures for gum disease is called scaling and root planing. This is a form of deep cleaning of your mouth that involves cleaning in the space between your teeth and gums to remove any plaque. Then, the tooth roots are smoothed out to prevent any more plaque or other toxins from sticking in the future.

In other cases, dentists might prescribe a stronger mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine gluconate (Periogard). This is a stronger, medicated mouthwash that is only available on prescription.

Research suggests that mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine may be best for reducing gingivitis symptoms because chlorhexidine can effectively reduce dental plaque.

In very severe cases, or in infections that keep coming back, dentists might prescribe antibiotics to fight a bacterial infection in your mouth. However, this is uncommon.

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Online care for dental pain

The earlier you catch gingivitis, the easier it is to treat. In fact, with improved oral hygiene and the use of medicated mouthwashes, gingivitis can be cured entirely within a few days or weeks. If you think you have gingivitis, consider reaching out to a dentist for a checkup right away.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

Gingivitis is a type of gum inflammation caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria between your teeth and your gums. It’s characterized by swollen, easily bleeding gums, and you may also notice dental pain.

Gingivitis can be cured entirely with improved oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing. You may also receive a professional cleaning treatment from a dentist, and in some cases, they may prescribe medicated mouthwash or even antibiotics.

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