Gingivitis Gum Disease Treatment in Sacramento

Do you have red, irritated, or swollen gums? Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss? You may have gum disease, an infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth.

There are two major forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. The earliest stage and mildest form, gingivitis, is caused by the buildup of plaque around the gum line, which leads to inflammation. Without proper brushing and flossing, the plaque will continue to accumulate and trap bacteria, worsening symptoms and complicating treatment. Other symptoms of gingivitis include gum tenderness, spaces between the gums and teeth, and gums that bleed easily.

When gingivitis is treated early, it can be reversed. Unfortunately, many symptoms of gingivitis go unnoticed and untreated. If you notice bleeding gums during brushing, treatment may be necessary to prevent the progression to periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease that causes tooth and bone loss. For this reason, immediate treatment by a gingivitis dentist or periodontist is necessary to avoid further damage and tooth loss caused by infected gums.

Learn more about the common causes of bleeding gums in our educational resources.

Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by plaque — the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that is produced by a combination of food debris and saliva and forms on the teeth and gums. When plaque is not regularly removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that irritate the gum tissue. This can cause swelling, redness, and bleeding. Gingivitis may also have other causes, including:

  • Changes in hormones
  • Certain diseases, such as cancer and diabetes
  • Medications, especially those that reduce saliva flow
  • Smoking
  • Family history

One out of every two adults in the U.S. aged 30 and older has some form of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But just because gingivitis is prevalent doesn’t mean it is inevitable. The importance of daily oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist cannot be overstated as a critical way to identify gum disease in its early stages, especially since many symptoms of gum disease are painless.

Our Gingivitis Gum Disease Treatment Process in Sacramento

If you need personalized gum disease treatment in Sacramento, Natomas Crossing Dental Care is here to help. When swollen or bleeding gums are treated early, gingivitis can often be reversed and long-term oral health protected. In many cases, non-surgical treatments and preventive care are all that’s needed for complete recovery.

We start with a comprehensive periodontal exam, where we measure the spaces between your teeth and gums and look for signs of inflammation. If necessary, we’ll take digital images to see how the infection may be affecting the bone supporting your teeth.

If you have early-stage gingivitis, treatment may involve professional cleanings and preventive care. Removing plaque and bacteria at the gum line can often reverse inflammation when combined with improved brushing, flossing, and routine visits.

For more advanced cases, a periodontal treatment called scaling and root planing may be recommended. This deep cleaning removes plaque and hardened buildup from below the gum line to eliminate bacteria and support the healing process. Treatment recommendations are always based on your specific diagnosis. Antibacterial rinses and more frequent in-office cleanings may also be recommended to reduce inflammation. In more serious cases, gingivitis surgery may be necessary.

Dr. Sheila Harris has extensive experience diagnosing and managing all stages of gum disease. She carefully evaluates each patient and creates a treatment plan designed to protect long-term oral health. To learn more about her background, visit our Meet Dr. Sheila Harris page.

After treatment, ongoing care plays a critical role in maintaining healthy gums. Our dentist will provide clear guidance on how to care for your gums at home and what signs to watch for moving forward. Long-term success depends on consistent oral hygiene and routine dental visits. Brushing, flossing, and keeping up with recommended periodontal cleanings are your best defenses against gingivitis and the return of gum disease.

Cost of Treatment

The cost of treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the infection and the recommended approach. For instance, a patient with early-stage gingivitis may require additional preventive treatment, such as extra teeth cleanings or scaling and root planing procedures.

Conversely, a patient with severe gum disease might need more advanced treatment, such as surgery, to eliminate the infection. At Natomas Crossing Dental Care, we’re happy to work with our patients to create personalized payment plans that suit their needs and budget.

Trust Natomas Crossing Dental Care with Your Gum Conditions

At Natomas Crossing Dental Care, we believe that healthy gums form the foundation for a healthy mouth. We start by educating our patients about gum disease symptoms and treatment. Bleeding or tender gums are not normal, and the condition will not go away on its own. In fact, it is a sign you may be suffering from some type of gum disease.

Our experienced gingivitis treatment dentist and staff have the skill and knowledge to diagnose and treat various forms of gum disease. Based on the severity of your condition, our dentists will recommend effective treatment that can restore your gums to their original, healthy state.

And you don’t have to take our word for it – hear from our patients about their experience with our gum disease treatment.

Contact our office today to learn more about acute gingivitis treatment or to schedule your next visit.

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FAQs

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque and bacteria build up along the gum line, causing the gums to become inflamed. Common signs include redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. When treated early, gingivitis is often reversible.

How do you get rid of gingivitis?

Gingivitis can often be eliminated with professional dental treatment and improved oral hygiene. This typically includes a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, along with consistent brushing and flossing at home. In some cases, antibacterial rinses or more frequent cleanings may be recommended to help restore gum health.

What does gingivitis look like?

Gingivitis usually appears as red, swollen, or puffy gums that may bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing. Healthy gums are firm and pink, while gums affected by gingivitis may look irritated or pulled away slightly from the teeth. Persistent bad breath can also be a visible sign of gum disease.

What causes gingivitis?

Gingivitis is most commonly caused by plaque buildup along the gum line due to inadequate brushing and flossing. Other contributing factors can include hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, medications that reduce saliva flow, smoking, and a family history of gum disease. Regular dental visits help identify and address gingivitis early.

Is gingivitis treatment painful?

Gingivitis treatment is generally not painful. Professional cleanings and preventive care are usually comfortable, and most patients experience little to no discomfort. If deeper cleaning is needed, local anesthesia may be used to keep you comfortable during treatment. Any mild soreness afterward typically resolves quickly.

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