Does Gingivitis Go Away? Understanding Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Understanding Gingivitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Gingivitis is a common gum disease that affects the tissues around your teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis and eventually lead to tooth loss. The good news is gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque on your teeth due to poor brushing and flossing habits. Plaque is a sticky film composed of bacteria, food debris and saliva. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that inflame and infect your gums.

There are also risk factors that can contribute to developing gingivitis, including:

• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Hormonal changes, like puberty, pregnancy or menopause
• Certain medications, like oral contraceptives, antihistamines and calcium channel blockers
• Poorly fitting dental work
• Mouth breathing
• Dry mouth
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Genetic susceptibility

Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

Common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Puffy, red or swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Gums that are tender when touched
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
• Receding gums
• Changes in tooth alignment
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose teeth

Stages of Gingivitis

Gingivitis can progress through various stages if plaque is allowed to build up. The stages are:

1. Initial gingivitis: Gums appear puffy and red, and bleed easily when brushing.
2. Early gingivitis: Gums bleed easily during brushing and flossing. You may also experience bad breath.
3. Moderate gingivitis: Your gums are tender, reddened, and may bleed spontaneously without stimulation. Plaque and calculus deposits are noticeable.
4. Severe gingivitis: Your gums have noticeably receded, there are ulcers in the gingival tissue, and teeth may be loose.

The earlier gingivitis is treated, the better the results. Detecting it at initial and early stages prevents further progression and complications.

Progression to Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis – a serious gum infection affecting the ligaments and bone supporting your teeth. Periodontitis causes permanent damage like:

• Bone loss around teeth
• Receding gums
• Loosening or loss of teeth
• Painful abscesses in gum tissue

Seeking treatment for gingivitis early on prevents it from turning into a chronic periodontal infection.

Professional Treatment for Gingivitis

While a diligent oral hygiene routine helps reverse gingivitis, you still need professional treatment to fully resolve it. Treatment typically involves:

Deep Cleaning

A procedure called scaling and root planing thoroughly cleans plaque and calculus deposits above and below your gumline. Local anesthesia is usually used to keep you comfortable.

Medicated Rinses

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory rinses like chlorhexidine are prescribed to control bacteria and reduce gum inflammation.

Oral Antibiotics

For advanced cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat infection-causing bacteria.

Laser Treatment

Laser light therapy can remove diseased gum tissue and stimulate healing. It also kills bacteria associated with gingivitis.

Your dentist will likely schedule several follow-up visits after initial treatment to monitor your gingivitis and healing progress.

At-Home Care for Gingivitis

While professional treatment is vital for treating gingivitis, diligent at-home oral hygiene care is also essential. Follow these tips to help reverse gingivitis:

Optimize Brushing and Flossing

Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss once daily to remove plaque that causes gingivitis. Use proper technique and spend at least 2 minutes brushing.

Use Antimicrobial Rinses

Over-the-counter antibacterial mouthwashes can reduce bacteria between teeth. Look for types with cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils.

Clean Between Teeth

Floss daily and use interdental cleaners to remove debris between teeth where bristles can’t reach.

Scrape Your Tongue

Use a tongue scraper daily to remove bacteria that contribute to bad breath and gum inflammation.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A diet low in processed carbs and sugars promotes healthier gums. Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

Take Probiotics

Probiotic supplements support healthy bacteria levels in your mouth to prevent overgrowth of bad bacteria.

Quit Smoking

Smoking increases your risk of developing gingivitis and interferes with healing. Talk to your doctor about quitting options.

Visit Your Dentist

See your dentist twice yearly for professional cleanings and to monitor improvement of your gingivitis.

Natural Remedies for Gingivitis

Certain natural remedies have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can complement professional treatment:

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel helps reduce plaque and gingival inflammation when applied topically around the gums.

Green Tea

Rinsing with green tea or using a green tea extract mouthwash helps destroy cavity and periodontal disease bacteria.

Oil Pulling

Swishing oils like coconut, sesame or olive oil helps pull toxins from your mouth to reduce gum inflammation.

Salt Water

Warm salt water rinses can decrease gum inflammation and make your mouth less hospitable to bacteria.

Cloves

Clove oil extract has pain-relieving and antibacterial effects that may help gingivitis when applied topically.

Myrrh

This herb has anti-inflammatory properties that may aid gingivitis recovery. Use myrrh mouthwash or add to salt water rinses.

Always consult your dentist before using natural remedies for gingivitis, especially if pregnant, nursing or taking medication.

When to See a Dentist

Schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you notice signs of gingivitis. Other times to see a dentist include:

• Gums remain inflamed despite good oral hygiene
• You experience gum pain, swelling or bleeding
• Gum recession is apparent
• You notice pus around your gums
• Teeth feel loose or change position
• You have persistent bad breath

Seeing your dentist promptly helps diagnose gingivitis early and prevent complications like bone loss and tooth decay.

Gingivitis Risk Factors to Control

You can lower your risk of developing gingivitis by controlling these factors:

Oral Hygiene Habits

Brush and floss sufficiently each day. Visit your dentist for cleanings every six months.

Tobacco Use

Avoid smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco, which irritate gum tissue.

Hormonal Changes

Get professional cleanings more often if pregnant or going through puberty or menopause.

Chronic Health Conditions

Properly manage diabetes, cancer and eating disorders. Follow all nutritional guidelines.

Medications

Be aware that certain prescriptions like blood pressure medications can increase gum disease risk.

Grinding and Clenching

Ask your dentist about a mouth guard to protect your teeth if you grind or clench them.

Poor Nutrition

Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbs. Take a multivitamin if deficient in nutrients.

Stress

Make time to manage and reduce your stress levels through yoga, meditation or other relaxation practices.

Can Gingivitis Be Cured?

With professional treatment and excellent oral care, gingivitis can be eliminated. However, you need to continue proper brushing, flossing and dental visits to prevent recurrence.

Maintaining diligent oral hygiene routines, seeing your dentist regularly and controlling risk factors can prevent gingivitis from returning once cured.

Gingivitis in Children and Adolescents

Gingivitis is common in children due to poor brushing habits, mouth breathing associated with allergies or adenoid issues, and eruption of teeth. Look for signs like:

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Plaque deposits on teeth

Getting children into a good oral routine early prevents gingivitis from developing. Teach them proper brushing and flossing techniques and limit sugary snacks.

When Gingivitis Requires Surgery

Most cases of gingivitis can be reversed with professional cleanings, good home care and addressing risk factors. But surgery may be necessary if:

• Bone loss is extensive
• Gum recession is excessive
• Deep cleanings alone don't resolve persistent infections
• Abscesses have formed in gum tissues

Periodontal surgery removes damaged tissue or reshapes gum and bone. Procedures range from flap surgery to extractions to regeneration procedures.

Conclusion

Gingivitis is a common and reversible form of gum disease caused by plaque buildup. Without treatment, it can progress to serious periodontitis. Getting professional treatment and maintaining an oral hygiene routine helps eliminate gingivitis.

Controlling risk factors, having regular dental cleanings and addressing issues early on prevents gingivitis from returning once cured. Be proactive against gingivitis to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.