From poor brushing and flossing to a diet high in sugar, there are a number of factors that can cause the gums to become inflamed. Also known as gingivitis, this requires treatment to avoid the onset of periodontal disease! In today’s blog, your Brooklyn, NY, periodontist and implant expert talks about how we reverse gingivitis.
The Causes of Gingivitis
How do our gums become inflamed? In most cases, this is due to plaque and tartar buildup, a bacterial byproduct that coats the teeth and irritates the gingival tissues. Plaque is created when harmful oral bacteria break down and consume particles of sugar and starch left behind by the foods and drinks we consume. This creates plaque that coats the teeth and hardens into tartar with time. The layers then inflame the gums to cause gingivitis and without treatment, could lead to the onset of periodontal disease. Other factors include inflammatory illnesses such as diabetes, or even a family history of inflammation or possibly the use of certain medications. Our team will examine your smile to assess the underlying factors, which allows us to plan your treatment with precision.
Warning Signs of Inflammation
How do you know if your gums have become inflamed? You may notice they appear redder than usual. They could also feel sore and uncomfortable, and could bleed easily, especially when you brush and floss. As the issue grows in severity and the onset of periodontal disease occurs, you could experience recession that makes teeth appear longer than usual. When you experience any changes to your gums, even if they appear minor, please see our team for a diagnosis and to find out if you need periodontic treatment, so we can help you enjoy a full and healthy smile for years to come!
Reversing Your Inflammation
How do we reverse your inflammation to prevent periodontal disease? In a situation like this, we may conduct a scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, to remove harmful buildup from the teeth, exposed roots, and from beneath the gum line. This could take one visit or as many as four, it all depends on how severe the buildup actually is, and we will numb your smile to ensure your comfort. We could also discuss laser treatment to remove buildup and help control harmful bacteria!
If you have any questions about how to recognize gingivitis and when to seek treatment, or if you want to schedule an appointment now, then reach out to our team today to get started!
Schedule Your Periodontic Visit with Brooklyn Periodontics
By reversing inflammation and managing your gum health, we can keep disease at bay. For more information on treating inflamed gums, then please call Brooklyn Periodontics & Implantology in Brooklyn, NY at (718) 444-3800 today.
