You likely already know that brushing your teeth twice daily is essential to remove plaque and bacteria that cause cavities. However, scrubbing the surfaces of your enamel only removes an estimated 43% of harmful residue. You should also floss to eradicate germs from between your teeth and below your gumline to avoid periodontal problems, like gingivitis.
If you’ve noticed that your gums seem more tender or look darker than usual, you might be developing an issue. Thankfully, gingivitis can often be reversed. Continue reading to learn how long it usually takes to halt this disease in its tracks!
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and occurs when bacteria in your mouth penetrate your connective tissues and cause a mild infection. This can cause symptoms like swelling, redness, bleeding after flossing, and chronic bad breath.
If caught early enough, gingivitis can be reversed. However, if it’s allowed to progress into a more progressive periodontal problem, it can only be managed, not cured. That means you should address your gum disease as soon as you notice an issue.
How is Gingivitis Treated?
Fortunately, there are several ways you can improve your at-home oral hygiene routine to keep the germs in your mouth from thriving. For instance, you can use an antibacterial toothpaste that continues to fight bacteria in between brushings. Also, be sure to clean your teeth for a full two minutes before flossing carefully twice daily.
You can also schedule a checkup and cleaning with your dentist. They can remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar to reduce your vulnerability to common oral issues, like cavities and gum disease.
If your condition is more severe, your dentist can provide a two-part procedure, scaling and root planing, to help. This involves deep cleaning into the pockets of your gums, then smoothing the roots of your teeth to make it harder for bacteria to cling to your enamel. This encourages your gums to reattach to your teeth, allowing the pockets to mend.
How Long Does it Take to Heal Gingivitis?
Your gingivitis may clear up in as few as two weeks if you catch it soon enough and take immediate steps to address it. With that said, you’ll need to pay close attention to your periodontal health moving forward. Consistent cleanings remove harmful materials that irritate and infect your tender tissues. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a regular at-home dental hygiene routine and visit your provider every 6 months for a standard check-up.
Remember, addressing gingivitis promptly can prevent more serious periodontal problems that may not be reversible. If you suspect you have an issue, it’s time to call your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Joseph Kelly is passionate about helping families in Vancouver build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from the Oregon Health Science University School of Dentistry, where he was awarded the Air Force Health Profession Scholarship. Since then, he has completed additional courses on CEREC same-day restorations, oral surgery, extractions, and sedation, allowing him to offer the most current treatment options using state-of-the-art technology. If you’re worried about gingivitis, you can request an appointment on the website or call (360) 574-4007.