Gum Therapy

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that leads to the gums bleeding and looking swollen. If left unchecked, it can lead to further deterioration in the gum’s structure against the tooth or teeth. Essentially, it’s inflammation and bleeding of the gums, which if untreated, can lead to more serious conditions like losing the bone around the teeth, the teeth becoming loose and ultimately falling off.

What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

The difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is that with gingivitis, you just have bleeding and swelling of the gums, and you haven’t had any bone loss. With periodontitis, you start to lose bone. The bone is what holds the teeth in the jaw, and that’s when you start having the teeth becoming loose and ultimately falling out. So, it’s important to prevent gingivitis from progressing to periodontitis.

What are the first symptoms of gingivitis?

The very first symptom of gingivitis is bleeding gums.

How dangerous is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is very dangerous because research has shown that some of the bacteria involved in gingivitis have contributed to lower birth weight in pregnant moms, early-onset dementia in adults, and many other medical concerns. These issues can be prevented by ensuring that gingivitis is eradicated.

Can you have gingivitis and periodontitis at the same time?

Yes, you can have gingivitis and periodontitis at the same time. You can have some areas where the inflammation and bone loss is advanced, and some areas where it’s not as severe. However, you don’t want either of the two conditions.

How do dentists treat gingivitis?

Dentists treat gingivitis by doing a thorough cleaning. This doesn’t require going too deep under the gums because there is no bone loss. The first thing you notice after a couple of days is that your gums are no longer bleeding, which is a positive sign.

How long does it take to cure gingivitis?

Gingivitis can be cured in a matter of days. Once the inflammation and swelling of the gums are cleaned and debrided, the irritants are no longer there, and the gum can heal itself naturally.

When should I schedule an appointment if I suspect I may have gingivitis?

If you suspect you have gingivitis, you should schedule an appointment immediately.

Why are healthy gums so important?

Healthy gums are so important because they are essentially the foundation of a beautiful smile, of a functional smile, and of a healthy well-being. They are the baseline ingredient to anything stunning that can happen in your mouth.

How can I tell if my gums are healthy or unhealthy?

One way you can tell if your gums are healthy or unhealthy is by checking if they bleed when you brush. Also, you can detect an odor. If you have been told there’s a particular pungent odor that you can’t seem to shake off, not even after brushing your teeth or using gum, mints, that could indicate your gums might not be healthy.

What causes unhealthy gums?

Unhealthy gums can be caused by three main factors. The first is poor oral hygiene, where you’re not taking your time to care for the brushing and flossing. The second is an increase in unhealthy bacteria in the mouth, especially when your immune system gets a hit and you’re feeling under the weather. The third cause could be hereditary, where you inherit gum disease.

Can unhealthy gums be fixed?

Absolutely, unhealthy gums can be fixed. That’s why we have you on a maintenance protocol, so that anything happening to destabilize a healthy mouth is quickly nipped in the bud.

What is involved in the process of deep cleaning of teeth?

The process of deep cleaning your teeth involves first getting you comfortable, either by giving you some nitrous gas or anesthesia to make you comfortable. Then, the hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler that goes under your gums to flush out all the debris and inflammation. After that, sometimes she uses a hand instrument to really get into areas that she needs to feel to make sure it’s really nice and smooth. Finally, your teeth are polished, leaving you with that zingy, healthy mouth.

Why does it take more than one sitting for a dental cleaning?

At All About Beautiful Smiles, we do all your mouth in one sitting. The several sittings is an insurance thing. I don’t believe in following insurance stipulations. I believe in doing what’s best for the patient. Why would you clean one side of your mouth while you leave the other side uncleaned? That’s why we clean the whole mouth in one visit.

Is deep cleaning painful?

Deep cleaning doesn’t have to be painful. If you’re very sensitive, we get you comfortable with nitrous gas or anesthesia, so that you can be comfortable. In fact, a lot of our patients just fall asleep during the procedure.

What are the best ways to take care of my gums at home after a deep cleaning?

The best ways to take care of your gums at home after a deep cleaning is by using an electric toothbrush and investing your time in flossing. At All About Beautiful Smiles, we give our new patients a tip sheet to help you get into the habit of flossing.

At what point is gum grafting necessary?

Gum grafting is necessary when you have some gum recession, where your gum that usually comes up the neck of your teeth has gone down. We replace the missing gum so that in an aesthetic area, it looks good, and in an area where the gum has receded and it’s sensitive, you feel more comfortable.

If you have any more questions, please call or text our office at (407) 290-9588‬‬. My team is waiting to get you in.