How Is Gingivitis Treated?

Dr. Heather Martinson • April 15, 2024

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of your gums. While it might initially seem harmless, gingivitis can lead to more serious gum diseases and even tooth loss if left untreated.

You might wonder, can you reverse gum disease? The good news is that reversing gingivitis is entirely possible with early intervention and proper care.

Treating gum disease early is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Ignoring the symptoms can result in severe complications that are harder to manage. By addressing gingivitis promptly, you can prevent it from progressing to periodontitis, a more advanced and damaging form of gum disease.

Let's explore the effective strategies to treat gingivitis and reclaim oral health.

What Is Gingivitis?

You might have heard of gingivitis at your dentist's office, but what exactly does it mean? In simple terms, gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, often caused by a buildup of plaque on your teeth. It's the earliest stage of gum disease, and the good news is it's usually reversible with good oral care.

Common Symptoms of Gingivitis

Recognizing gingivitis early can make all the difference. The most common symptoms include red, swollen gums that may bleed easily, especially when you brush or floss. You might also notice bad breath that doesn't go away with regular brushing. Another sign can be receding gums, where your teeth appear longer than usual.

Causes and Risk Factors

Gingivitis is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth, it can irritate your gums. Other causes include smoking, certain medications that reduce saliva flow, and illnesses such as diabetes. Risk factors like poor nutrition, stress, and hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, can also increase your chances of developing gingivitis.

Understanding these symptoms, causes, and risk factors can help you take proactive steps to prevent and treat gingivitis effectively.

Can You Reverse Gum Disease?

If you've been diagnosed with gingivitis, you might be wondering, can you reverse gum disease? The answer is yes. With prompt and proper care, reversing gingivitis is achievable, preventing it from progressing to more severe gum diseases.

How to Reverse Gingivitis

The first step in reversing gingivitis is improving your oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque, the main culprit behind gum inflammation. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth. Professional dental cleanings are also essential. Your dentist can remove tartar and plaque you can't reach with a toothbrush.

Factors Influencing Reversal

Several factors influence the success of reversing gingivitis. Consistency is key. You need to maintain a strict oral hygiene routine. Your overall health also plays a role. Conditions like diabetes can make it harder to control gum disease. Smoking is another significant factor. Quitting smoking can greatly improve your gum health.

Regular dental check-ups are crucial. They allow your dentist to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Addressing gingivitis early and sticking to these practices can effectively reverse gum disease and maintain healthy gums.

Effective Gum Disease Treatments

Scaling and Root Planing

One of the most common treatments is scaling and root planing. This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Scaling involves scraping off the plaque, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach to teeth.

This process can be a bit uncomfortable, but it's highly effective in treating gum disease.

Antibiotics

Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary for gum disease treatment. These can be prescribed as oral medications, topical gels, or even placed directly into the gum pockets. Antibiotics help reduce the bacteria causing the infection, speeding up the healing process.

Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups play a crucial role in treating and preventing gum disease. Your dentist can spot early signs of gingivitis and address them before they escalate. Routine cleanings keep plaque and tartar under control, ensuring your gums stay healthy.

Home Remedies for Gingivitis

Taking care of oral health at home is vital for effective gingivitis treatment. With consistent and proper care, you can significantly reduce symptoms and improve your gum health.

Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques

Brushing your teeth twice a day is the foundation of good oral health. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue. Flossing daily removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line, where your toothbrush can't reach.

Use of Antibacterial Mouthwashes

Incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine can help reduce the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Look for mouthwashes containing ingredients like chlorhexidine or essential oils.

Swish the mouthwash in your mouth for at least 30 seconds to ensure it reaches all areas.

Healthy Diet Tips

A balanced diet supports overall oral health. Foods rich in vitamins C and D, like fruits and vegetables, strengthen your gums and help fight infection. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that can contribute to plaque buildup. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also helps maintain saliva flow, which naturally cleanses your mouth.

Following these home care practices can enhance your oral health and support effective gingivitis treatment.

Can You Reverse Gum Disease?

Can you reverse gum disease? Yes, with timely and proper care, gingivitis can be reversed. Key points include good oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and professional treatments.

At Heather Martinson, DDS, we offer a unique advantage by integrating the BaleDoneen Method, which connects oral health with heart attack and stroke prevention. This comprehensive approach ensures better overall health. Contact us today to experience advanced, holistic dental care that sets us apart.

Reversing gum disease is achievable with the right care and commitment. Your journey to healthier gums starts here.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.