An Esthetic Dentist Answers Questions About Treating Gingivitis

An esthetic dentist can help you treat the conditions that can lead to gingivitis. Treating gingivitis is important for your long-term health. If left untreated, your gingivitis can progress to moderate or advanced periodontal disease. The symptoms of gingivitis are reversible. Moderate and advanced periodontal disease can lead to other health problems later. You can work with an esthetic dentist to maintain good oral health for life.

How gingivitis develops

Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease. It is the most common form. Many people try to practice good oral hygiene at home, but some have difficulty. Patients with misaligned or overcrowded teeth may not be able to brush and floss them. Over time, plaque builds up along the gumline and between teeth, causing gingivitis.

Gingivitis develops when patients do not practice good oral hygiene. With proper brushing and regular flossing, most patients can ward off gingivitis. Patients often think they have a good oral care routine at home but still develop gingivitis. The dentist can guide patients on how to brush and floss for better results. Patients must get the debris and plaque from along the gumline and between teeth. Removing plaque and tartar buildup with deep cleanings prevents gingivitis.

When an esthetic dentist can help

Some patients brush and floss and still develop gingivitis. Teeth that are out of alignment may be too close together for a patient to brush and floss the whole tooth. Food and debris can stick where the toothbrush and floss cannot reach. Overcrowding can make it difficult to access every tooth surface. This allows bacteria to grow and weaken tooth enamel, as well as infect the gums.

Many people think of braces and other restorative dentistry as cosmetic. But some people need these procedures to prevent and treat gingivitis. Aligning the teeth allows access to the entire surface area of each tooth. For patients with gingivitis and misaligned teeth, the treatment is alignment. Esthetic dentists may use alignment trays, braces, or bridges. Each option has pros and cons, and people should discuss with an esthetic dentist which can be the most effective for them.

Esthetic dentists can help with pockets in the gums and with missing teeth. Gum pockets can collect bacteria and plaque and cause gum disease. Reshaping the gums makes it harder for debris and bacteria to become trapped. Placing an implant where a tooth is missing can also help restore gum health. It prevents the jawbone from deteriorating and supports the surrounding teeth.