Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by plaque that leads to inflammation of the gums, bleeding, and gum recession. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease that can lead to an array of health problems, including infection and tooth loss.

Preventing Gum Disease

Good oral hygiene is the number one factor in preventing gingivitis. Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily is essential. It’s also important to be sure you’re brushing properly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an ADA-approved toothpaste, brushing for at least two minutes. Flossing before brushing loosens bacteria and debris so it can be effectively brushed away. Rinsing with mouthwash or a dental rinse designed to help control plaque and gingivitis also helps. If you are not good at flossing, consider investing in a water flosser.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings also help keep plaque at bay and reduce your chances of getting gingivitis. Dental hygienists use professional cleaning tools to remove plaque you’ve missed, particularly around and just below the gum line. Your dentist will check for any early signs of gum disease and treat them appropriately.

Dental Prophylaxis

Dental prophylaxis refers to regular dental cleaning to help prevent gingivitis. We recommend dental prophylaxis at least twice yearly. If you are at high risk of gum disease, you should have a professional dental cleaning more often. Individuals at risk include anyone with dry mouth, diabetes, or an autoimmune disease. Benefits of dental prophylaxis include:

• Removal of tartar along the gum line (brushing and flossing do not remove tartar, which is a harder form of plaque).
• Stain removal, especially from foods and smoking.
• Fresher breath and reduction of gum inflammation

Periodontal Maintenance

If gingivitis has progressed to a more serious form of gum disease such as periodontitis, routine cleaning is not enough. Periodontal maintenance is sometimes called a deep dental cleaning and involves specialized dental tools and techniques.

Scaling removes plaque, bacteria, and debris above the gum line using a scaling tool to scrape away buildup. Root planing cleans away the bacteria and debris trapped in gum pockets around the base of the teeth. These pockets develop as a result of infection and inflammation.

After periodontal maintenance, the gums can re-adhere to the roots of the teeth because the surfaces are smoother and free of bacteria and tartar. This reduces the size and depth of the gum pockets, so you are less likely to develop gingivitis in the future.

Arestin

Following periodontal maintenance, we apply Arestin to the dental pockets. Arestin is a powerful antibiotic that takes effect immediately and continues to work long after it is applied. The antibiotic is effective for a full month and improves the results of scaling and root planing for up to 90 days.