The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, a painless condition caused by plaque buildup on your teeth. The plaque contains bacteria that causes swelling. If you do not receive the gingivitis treatment you need, the situation grows worse. The gum disease then progresses to periodontitis with possible tooth loss.

Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis treatment Orlando FL doesn't have to be painfulPlaque buildup causes gingivitis when you do not brush your teeth as often as you should. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that harm tooth enamel and your gums. Without gingivitis treatment, the damage you suffer becomes permanent.

People with certain illnesses or those who smoke tend to experience gingivitis. Other risk factors include hormonal changes, some medications, genetics and poor oral hygiene.

Signs You Need Gingivitis Treatment

When you need gingivitis treatment, specific symptoms of gum disease will alert you to the problem. These symptoms include red and swollen gums. The condition also causes bleeding when you brush your teeth. Bad breath provides another clue of early gum disease.

When you do not get the gingivitis treatment you need, your gums form pockets around your teeth by pulling away from their healthy position. Bacteria becomes trapped in the gum pockets. These bacteria weaken the bones supporting your teeth.

Without gum disease treatment your condition worsens. This is why you need to see your dentist if you notice blood on your toothbrush or other telltale signs. Regular dental care and cleanings also help prevent gingivitis.

Unfortunately, gum disease is not curable. But with gingivitis treatment Orlando FL offers, your dentist helps you maintain excellent tooth and gum health.

What Gingivitis Treatment Orlando FL Entails

When you visit your dentist for a regular exam or because you notice blood on your toothbrush, your appointment starts with a dental cleaning. This cleaning removes built-up plaque and tartar, keeping gum disease from growing worse. The dental hygienist will also polish your teeth to remove surface stains.

Your dentist uses a dental probe, a sharp pick-like tool to check the condition of your gums. At the same time, the dentist looks for cavities and other oral health problems. Dental caries or other tooth abnormalities make brushing and flossing your teeth more difficult. If you do not brush properly, your gum disease worsens.

If you do not correctly brush or floss your teeth, the dentist helps you understand the best ways to do so. After all, you provide your first line of defense against gum disease at home. You should visit your dentist twice yearly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Treating Your Gingivitis At Home

When you suspect you need gingivitis treatment Orlando FL, you need to visit your dentist. Only the dentist can determine if you do have this condition and to what stage your gum disease has advanced. The dentist performs the exam and cleaning to help rid your gums of inflammation and restore them to good health.

Then at home, you need to make sure you use a proper tooth-brushing technique. Many people think they know the best way to brush because they have done so for decades. But you might be using incorrect methods. Talk to your dentist for tips to ensure your gum health improves.

The most important rule of at-home gingivitis treatment Orlando FL is brushing and flossing twice daily. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles angled on your teeth at 45 degrees. Brush the gum line to massage your gums while using a back and forth movement of the toothbrush. Then use an up and down motion with short strokes.

Be careful not to brush too aggressively. You do not want to harm your gums or make them more sensitive. After brushing for at least two minutes, floss between each of your teeth. Ensure you replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if you notice frayed bristles.

Orlando FL Gum and Tooth Care for the Whole Family

For your family’s best gum and tooth health, you need regular checkups and professional cleanings. In Orlando FL, visit S. Keith Mahan, DDS for these services and for advanced dental care.

Services of S. Keith Mahan, DDS include:

Through the right dental care, including gingivitis treatment Orlando FL when needed, you can have healthy teeth and gums for your lifetime. Call the office of S. Keith Mahan, DDS at 407-841-7241 to schedule your consultation today.