Gingivitis Preventative Care

Welcome to the gingivitismanagement programme at d-spa. We endeavour to make your treatment as successful and pleasant as possible.

“Temporarily swollen, bleeding gums”

Gingivitis is a reversible condition, which results in swollen, reddened and bleeding gums. The teeth may or may not be sensitive, the condition being either acute or chronic (sudden or long-term) or localised or generalised (specific areas of your gums or involving all the gum tissue). You also may be experiencing a sour taste or bad breath. However, often you may not be aware of the condition and hence may leave it untreated causing further complications to treatment success.

What causes gingivitis?

Gingivitis is basically caused by colonies of bacteria building up and maturing at the gum-line. This is called plaque and produces a variety of acids and toxins, which have a role in both gum disease and tooth decay. These toxins irritate the gums, causing an immune response (the body sending antibodies to the gums to fight off the bacteria present). Hence, the gums swell and bleed, either spontaneously or when you brush/floss.

These bacteria are soft and so easily disrupted by effective brushing (this removes plaque from the gum-line around the outside of the teeth), flossing (to remove plaque between teeth) and mouth washing (to disrupt dead skin cells and inhibit bacterial growth). Hence, it is a reversible condition but needs to be taken seriously as if it is not resolved can lead the deeper, permanent gum infection.

Why is it important to treat gingivitis promptly?

Recent research reveals a link between gum health and overall body well-being. Links between gum infection and health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and premature childbirth have been well established by the medical community. Therefore, the benefit of not only treating your gum condition but preventing future re-occurrence has very real health benefits and must be taken seriously.

If gingivitis is not resolved and occurs on a chronic level it progresses to a deeper infection of the tooth’s supporting structures, such as bone and attachment fibres. This is known as periodontal disease. The bacteria responsible not only invade the gum tissues but also destroy the fibres that attach the tooth		Gingivitis		Healthy gums
to the bone, which anchor it securely within your mouth. As a result, the gum recedes from the tooth and the tooth may become loose.

How can future gingivitis be prevented?

Gingivitis is very easily prevented on two levels – a twice-daily oral hygiene routine (to control soft plaque levels) and regular four or six monthly visits to the oral hygienist for scaling and polishing (to remove hard plaque along with soft).

What oral routine is best for me?

Commit to and attend recall appointments every 3, 4, or 6 months. As recommended by the hygienist.
Personal oral hygiene routine
Effective brushing 2-3 minutes twice daily, using an electric toothbrush
Brush with extra soft bristles
Daily flossing
Tongue cleaning
Mouthwash (without alcohol) to reduce the accumulation of dental plaque as recommended by the hygienist

Follow the links below to find out more about gingivitis treatment:

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