6 Ways Gingivitis Treatment Supports Better Oral Health 

Are your gums feeling tender or swollen, or is there pink in the sink after you brush your teeth? If any of this applies to you, you may need an evaluation to see if you need gingivitis treatment, as these are signs of early-stage gum disease. And left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues and irreversible periodontal disease.

At Pearls of Dentistry, periodontal cleanings and gingivitis treatments are performed to help you save your gums and maybe even your teeth in the following ways:

1. Maintaining Consistent Daily Oral Hygiene Habits

When plaque, which consists of bacteria, sits on teeth too long, it turns into tartar. This tartar forms a protective shell for the bacteria that infect the gum tissues and cause gingivitis. Following the tips below is a good start to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

• Brushing your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and the proper technique
• Using fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth
• Flossing every day to remove food and plaque between teeth
• Replacing your toothbrush every three months

Practicing good oral hygiene at home is a good start. It’s also important to visit Pearls of Dentistry at the recommended interval for checkups and cleanings.

2. Make Time for Routine Professional Cleanings

We all do our best when it comes to home oral care, but areas of our mouths still get missed. Those missed areas allow plaque to harden into tartar, which brushing alone cannot remove. At Pearls of Dentistry, dental hygienists use special tools to clean teeth above and below the gumline, keeping gums from becoming infected. 

3. A Healthy Diet Equals Better Gum Health

Plaque builds up even faster if your meals are full of sugar and starch. To protect your gums, eat vitamin C foods like oranges or bell peppers. Vitamin D from dairy or eggs helps keep gums strong, too.

4. Quit Smoking and Stay Clear of All Tobacco Products

When you smoke, your gums have to work harder to fight infection. Tobacco use weakens your immune system and increases your risk of gum disease. If quitting feels tough, talk to your doctor for resources and support. 

The use of vaporizers or vaping pens to deliver nicotine or cannabis products can irritate gum tissues and potentially contribute to inflammation, redness, and swelling, which can worsen gum disease over time. 

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, propylene glycol, a common ingredient in vape e-liquids, can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. 

5. Manage Any Underlying Health Problems

If you have conditions like diabetes, your gums might be at higher risk. High blood sugar affects healing and increases infection risk. Keeping your diabetes under control helps protect your gums. Work with your doctor to manage any inflammatory conditions.

Oral bacteria have been linked to cardiovascular diseases as well. These bacteria can contribute to arterial plaque buildup by promoting inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Studies show a correlation between periodontitis and increased risk for heart attack and stroke. 

Studies have found specific oral bacteria in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline. The toxins the oral bacteria secrete may contribute to neuroinflammation and amyloid plaque formation, potentially accelerating cognitive decline.

6. Deep cleanings like  Scaling and Root Planing

If you think you may need gingivitis treatment in San Diego, CA, get in touch with Dr. Thomas or Dr. Langenbach. Only a dentist can determine if you need more extensive solutions like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). This deep periodontal cleaning removes bacteria and tartar that build up below the gumline and cause infection in the bone. The process cleans the roots so your gum tissues can reattach to your teeth.

Call Pearls of Dentistry today at (858) 451-4413 to schedule your appointment. You can also drop by the office at 15717 Bernardo Heights Parkway, San Diego, CA 92128 to learn more.

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