What is gingivitis, and how can I treat it?

What is gingivitis, and how can I treat it?

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that results when bacteria in your mouth cause inflammation in your gums. This is a common condition, and you can treat it effectively if you are aggressive. Otherwise, it could develop into more advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, and you could lose one or more teeth.

Watch for symptoms of gingivitis so you can ask the doctor for help as soon as you need it. Strategies for treating gingivitis include thoroughly cleaning your teeth and assessing the scope of your gingivitis and how serious the problem is.

Gingivitis: Early Gum Disease

Your mouth contains many bacteria that form plaque, which is a sticky substance. You can get rid of plaque by brushing well, but if you don’t, it can build up on your teeth and form tartar. Bacteria can make your gums inflamed and cause pain and bleeding, or gingivitis. Other symptoms include loose teeth, bad breath, receding gums, and sensitive teeth. You’re at higher risk for gingivitis if you’re a smoker, if you have a weakened immune system, or if you have diabetes.

Assessment and Diagnosis

If you think you recognize the symptoms of gingivitis, contact our Hartland, Michigan office to make an appointment. We will ask you about your risk factors for gingivitis and examine your teeth and mouth for signs of red and swollen gums. We may also measure the pockets around your teeth. If they are larger than usual, your gingivitis may be more advanced. Finally, will take some X-rays to get a picture of the bone structure of your jaw.

Deep Cleaning

You can’t get rid of the tartar on your teeth just by brushing at home. Instead, you need a deep cleaning consisting of scaling and root planing. Scaling involves scraping the plaque off of your teeth, both below and above the line of your gum. In root planing, the rough surfaces of your teeth where tartar is more likely to build up are smoothed. A laser may be used to make the procedure more effective, more accurate, and more comfortable.

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Monday:

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday:

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

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Sunday:

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Testimonials

See What Patients Say About Us

  • "Yep gentle dental indeed! You guys were awesome! My 3yr old had a wonderful experience. Thanks so much!"
    Stacey Wimbledon
  • "The doctor and staff at Harland Gentle Dental have been a welcome change to my dental experience. They have wonderful technology (where they will show you via camera what the problem issues are in your mouth, if any) and are very kind and through. The office is clean and inviting. I would recommend anyone to visit Dr. Bouhana and team."
    Jennifer Emery
  • "Had a dental issue today so I called Gentle Dental. They got me in same day on a cancelation. I didn’t wait at all. Dallas was my hygienist and she was great. Highly suggest if you’re looking for a friendly office that’s easy to get in and get out."
    Matt Smith
  • "Dr. Bouhana and his staff are nothing short of excellent! Mary at the front desk was understanding, very knowledgeable and exceptionally kind. Dr. Kyle is informative, transparent and he lives up to his practice's name, Gentle. He is great at what he does and I highly recommend him!"
    Andrew Kelley
  • "These guys are amazing!! I had a very bad experience with my previous dentist messing up fillings, so I came here with an emergency. They were able to see me right away and fix all the issues with my teeth. I ended up needing a root canal done on another tooth and I was so scared (it was my first root canal), but they were super helpful and supportive with the whole process, it couldn't have gone smoother! They are an awesome team and the dentist genuinely cares about your teeth! I'm so grateful for them!!"
    Chelsea Augustine
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