Home Treatment of Gingivitis in Houston

Gingivitis is the earliest and least harmful form of gum disease, but if it is not addressed within this early stage, it can become much worse over time.

Gingivitis treatments generally involve a deep cleaning to remove bacteria from under and around the gum line. Once the bacteria is cleared out, the gums will heal on their own.

So what’s the best way to treat gingivitis, both at a dentist and at home?

Gingivitis Treatment at Home

There are several methods to combat gingivitis in your daily oral hygiene routine. From the toothpaste you use to flossing and rinsing, every step helps remove and protect against bacteria.

●     Antibacterial Toothpaste
This special kind of toothpaste is specifically designed to attack bacteria. Most toothpaste is to replenish lost minerals to protect teeth, but sometimes you need something with a bit more power.

Antibacterial toothpaste works long after your routine is complete, fighting germs around the clock.

●     Daily Flossing
Flossing removes bits of food that can get stuck between teeth. These food particles become a food source for bacteria when left in place, and it can cause an exponential level of growth.

Toothbrushes aren’t always able to loosen food particles between teeth, so regular flossing is recommended to help out.

●     Antibacterial Mouthwash
Once you’ve brushed and flossed, there may still be little particles of food left in your mouth. An antibacterial mouthwash will kill any germs attached to them or any other surface in your mouth, and will also flush out remaining particles.

Advanced Brushing Techniques to Prevent Gum Disease

You should brush your teeth two times per day, preferably after meals, and brush for two minutes each time.

Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle to your gums and brush with short circular strokes. Keep the pressure light to effectively loosen food particles and plaque.

Be sure to brush all of the surfaces of your teeth, including inside and outside, as well as chewing surfaces.

When flossing, use about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of the floss around one finger and a short amount around a finger on your other hand.

As you clean each tooth, unwind the floss to a fresh section.

Slide the floss up and down the sides of each tooth in a gentle sawing motion. Curve the floss around the bottom of a tooth as you gently slide it under the gum line to remove plaque.

By performing these methods of cleaning, you will remove a large amount of plaque and bacteria that could cause gingivitis. If symptoms of gingivitis persist after cleaning in this manner, contact your Houston dentist for a professional dental cleaning.

Professional Gingivitis Treatment in Houston

If the above methods and products don’t help alleviate gingivitis symptoms, it’s time to get serious.

Schedule an appointment with your Houston dentist or periodontist to have them examine and treat your gingivitis.

A professional deep cleaning will remove even more plaque and bacteria, which will help immensely with alleviating symptoms. Dentists and periodontists also know specifically what to look for with gum disease, so they’ll know how best to treat it.

If necessary, your Houston dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to fight an infection that’s causing gingivitis symptoms and to prevent more serious cases of periodontal disease.