When most people think about their oral hygiene, their pearly whites are what come to mind first; but your gums are actually just as important as your teeth! And unfortunately, gingivitis, also known as gum disease, is quite a widespread issue; in fact, it’s estimated that roughly half of all Americans over the age of 30 suffer from the condition. That said, you might be wondering how long it takes to heal from gingivitis and what you can do to prevent future gum disease. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist.
What Causes Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is caused by tartar buildup near the gumline that irritates the gum tissue, and it commonly manifests itself as bleeding gums after you brush and floss. This is an inflammatory response to the infection, and it also indicates that you need to act quickly in order to prevent the infection from spreading further. Gum disease has the potential to turn serious quickly, and if left unchecked, the infection won’t just threaten your teeth; it can even potentially enter your bloodstream and harm other parts of your body.
How Long Does It Take to Heal from Gingivitis?
Luckily, gingivitis is technically reversible—but it greatly depends on your willingness to seek treatment quickly and adapt and maintain good oral hygiene moving forward. Typically, it takes about a week or two for your gum inflammation to subside and stop bleeding, assuming you immediately begin brushing and flossing diligently. However, this also depends on the progression of your gingivitis; in severe cases, like when plaque mineralizes and becomes stuck between your teeth, or if your gingivitis has progressed into irreversible periodontitis, professional help is needed; no amount of personal brushing will undo this!
Tips for Preventing Gum Disease
If you have signs of gum disease, or if you’re hoping to prevent it entirely, there are many things you can do:
- Floss every single day, using either traditional dental floss, floss picks, or a Waterpik.
- Brush twice every day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and tartar-control toothpaste. You might consider an electric toothbrush; they’re known for cleaning teeth more thoroughly than manual brushes!
- Stop smoking and commit to your oral health by eating a healthy diet, avoiding excess amounts of sugar, and drinking plenty of water.
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings; this level of preventive care is important in the fight against gum disease.
Gum disease might not seem very serious at first, but if left unchecked, it can spell bad news for your smile—including even total tooth loss! Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prevent it and protect your gums and in turn, the rest of your smile for the foreseeable future.
About the Practice
The team at Granger Dental Group is honored to serve the dental needs of the Granger, IN area under the leadership of Dr. Joseph E. Hickey and Dr. Kevin T. Campbell. Together they combine decades of experience to provide their patients with an exceptional level of dental care. Their practice is pleased to offer many available services including gum disease treatment. If you have any questions about gum disease or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone: (574) 277-4235.