Gingivitis

Diagnosis

Gingivitis is typically identified by dentists based on:

• An examination of your dental and medical histories, as well as any disorders that might be causing your symptoms.
• Checking your mouth, tongue, teeth, and gums for plaque and inflammation.
• Inserting a dental probe next to your tooth beneath your gum line, typically at numerous locations around your mouth, to measure the depth of the pocket in the groove between your gums and teeth. The pocket depth in a healthy mouth typically ranges from 1 to 3 millimeters (mm). Greater than 4 mm–deep pockets could be a sign of gum disease.
• Dental X–rays to examine any bone loss in regions where your dentist notices greater pockets.
• Additional tests as required. Your dentist could advise getting a medical checkup to rule out any underlying medical concerns if the reason of your gingivitis is unclear. Your dentist might recommend a gum disease expert (periodontist) if your gum disease is advanced.

Treatment

Commencing treatment in its early stages generally alleviates the symptoms of gingivitis and prevents its progression, ultimately averting tooth loss. The optimal likelihood of successful treatment is achieved by quitting smoking and establishing a consistent daily dental hygiene routine.

Professional treatment for gingivitis includes:

• Professional dental cleaning. Scaling and root planing, a process used to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial products, will be a part of your initial professional cleaning. Tartar and bacteria are removed from tooth surfaces and the gum line during scaling. Root planning eliminates the bacterial byproducts of inflammation, smoothes the root surfaces to prevent future tartar and bacterial formation, and promotes healthy healing. A laser, an ultrasonic device, or equipment may be used to carry out the treatment.
• Dental restoration, if required. Your gums may get irritated by misaligned teeth or poorly fitted crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations, which will make it more difficult to eliminate plaque from your teeth on a daily basis. Your dentist may advise addressing issues with your teeth or dental restorations if they are causing your gingivitis.
• Ongoing care. After a thorough professional cleaning, gingivitis typically goes away as long as you maintain appropriate oral care at home. Your dentist will work with you to develop a home care regimen that works as well as a schedule for routine checkups and cleanings.

By consistently practicing proper oral hygiene at home, you can expect to see the return of healthy, pink gum tissue within a matter of days or weeks.