Gingivitis – Treatment with LANAP® Laser Therapy
Gingivitis is the precursor to periodontitis. If left untreated, gingivitis will turn into periodontitis, which is the biggest cause of tooth loss in the United States. Not only is gingivitis uncomfortable and unsightly, but it can cause bleeding of the gums, chronic bad breath, and pain when brushing or flossing.
Treating Gingivitis
While nearly half of the adult population suffers from gingivitis, the good news is it is easily treated. If you are due for your dental exam and cleaning, call us to schedule an appointment. A thorough, professional cleaning is a great first step to treating gingivitis.
Patients can also continue their gingivitis treatment at home. With proper, consistent teeth brushing and flossing, many patients see a noticeable improvement in their gum health within days. In addition, we often recommend using antibacterial mouthwash and a water flosser, like a Waterpik®, to further improve overall teeth and gum health.
Diet is another critical component of oral health. By reducing or eliminating sugary foods and beverages, you can reduce the food supply that harmful bacteria consume. When you cut off their food supply, and you properly remove any food particles from your mouth, you create a better environment for healthy teeth and gums to thrive.
Risk Factors
Beyond diet and oral hygiene habits, there are several additional factors that can contribute to gingivitis.
These include:
- Tobacco use: Whether via smoking or in chew form, tobacco is a big contributing factor to gingivitis and periodontal disease as well as oral cancer.
- Prescription medications: certain medications are known to cause dry mouth. Without saliva to rinse away bacteria naturally, the harmful bacteria thrive. When the gum tissue is chronically dry, it is more prone to inflammation as well. Sometimes, patients develop oral candidiasis, which is a fungal infection caused by a chronically dry mouth.
- Crooked teeth: If the teeth are not properly aligned, gaps or crevices may be more difficult to floss, allowing plaque and bacteria to collect and multiply.
- Ill-fitting dental appliances: Like crooked teeth, if dental appliances do not fit well, they can create spaces where bacteria can hide.
Signs of Gingivitis
While it is possible to be in the early stages of gingivitis without noticing any symptoms, often patients report at least one of the following:
- Gums that are red, inflamed, or sore to the touch
- Gums that bleed with brushing or flossing
- Teeth that feel loose
- Changes in the bite, or how the teeth fit together
- Teeth that are sensitive to heat and/or cold
- Chronic bad breath, even after brushing
Additionally, patients who wear partial dentures often report that their prostheses no longer fit the same way. This can cause sores on the gums, or the prostheses may not stay put any longer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call our office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Dassani and her expert team can provide a treatment plan to get rid of the harmful bacteria in your mouth and restore you to full oral health.
Though gingivitis is very common, it is also very treatable—and preventable. By addressing it now, you can save yourself a lot of discomfort that comes from more severe periodontitis. With a few simple changes to your routine, you can get back to normal and feel confident in your smile.
If you’re ready to treat your gum disease with the most advanced laser treatment available, you’ve come to the right place. If you have any questions about gum disease, LANAP® treatment, or are ready to schedule an appointment with your Houston dentist– Dr. Dassani at Dassani Dentistry – give us a call today at (281) 947-2266.