Gingivitis Treatment

What is Gingivitis Treatment?

Gingivitis treatment refers to professional dental cleaning to treat gingivitis inflamed gingiva (gum tissue), which generally involves scaling and polishing to remove soft plaque buildup and hard tartar on the the tooth surfaces. 

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease characterised by inflammation of the gums immediately surrounding the teeth, is often caused by the accumulation of plaque. It is a common dental issue in Singapore, with over 90% of adults experiencing some form of gum disease. Gingivitis, when left untreated, can progress to advanced gum disease, leading to loss of supporting bones around teeth. Additionally, studies suggest that gum disease is closely linked to systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Treating gingivitis can, in turn, prevent these risks. 

Thankfully, gingivitis is reversible and clears up with the right treatment and proper maintenance. 

How does Gingivitis Treatment work?

The main aim of gingivitis treatment is to restore your gum tissue health and prevent the gum inflammation from worsening. Treatment generally starts with thorough dental scalning and polishing performed by a dentist to remove soft and hard deposits on tooth surfaces.

• Scaling — Removal of hard tartar and soft bacteria plaque from the teeth’s surface.
  

This process helps to eliminate the bacteria plaque that causes gum inflammation. Specialised instruments are used to thoroughly cleanse the teeth and gums, especially in areas that are difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing. 

Other additional treatments to gingivitis include:

• Improved oral hygiene practices — Although a thorough cleaning can get rid of gingivitis, it can recur if proper oral hygiene is not practiced at home. Your dentist will advise you on how to properly clean and care for your teeth, as well as schedule follow-ups to monitor your oral health.
  
• Antimicrobial wash — Rinsing your mouth with an antimicrobial wash can help kill off disease-causing bacteria. 

Additionally, dentists may suggest dietary and lifestyle changes, such as reducing sugar intake and stopping smoking to support gum health. By combining professional treatment with improved oral hygiene practices and healthy lifestyle changes, gingivitis treatment can effectively reduce inflammation, restore gum health, and help prevent the progression to more severe forms of gum disease.

Benefits of Gingivitis Treatment

The benefits of undergoing gingivitis treatment include:

• Reduced gum inflammation and bleeding
• Restored gum health
• Mitigated progression of more advanced gum diseases
• Improved oral hygiene and overall health
• Enhanced aesthetic appearance 
• Fresher breath

What conditions and symptoms can Gingivitis Treatment resolve or prevent?

Gingivitis treatment primarily addresses the early stages of gum disease but can also help manage related oral health conditions. These include: 

• Mild periodontitis — Early intervention can help to prevent the early stages of periodontitis, where deeper gum pockets and bone loss begin to form.
• Plaque buildup — Reduces plaque accumulation which worsens gum disease.
• Bad breath (halitosis) — By reducing bacteria, the treatment can significantly improve bad breath.
• Gum sensitivity — Discomfort and sensitivity in the gums caused by inflammation can be eliminated with gingivitis treatment.
• Oral health issues — Improved oral hygiene due to gingivitis treatment can help prevent oral health issues such as cavities and tooth decay.

What results can I expect after Gingivitis Treatment?

After treatment for gingivitis, you can expect  to witness gum with reduced inflammation, redness and swellling. Frequency of bleeding during brushing and flossing will decrease, along with reduced sensitivity and discomfort. Additionally, refresher breath will be expected as bacterial buildup is eliminated.

Compliant home care of oral hygiene is crucial to help prevent the progression or recurrence of gum disease. Regular follow-up appointments may also be recommended to monitor and ensure your gum health.

Gingivitis Treatment vs Periodontitis Treatment

Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease,  featuring deep gum pockets and supporting bone loss. As periodontitis is a more serious condition, specialised treatments may be required, such as:

• Antibiotic therapy — Antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate bacterial infection in the gums.

• Open surgery — Gum surgery, such as pocket reduction surgery or regenerative surgery may be recommended to  restore the structure and stability of your gums and bones, and to facilitate better healing and oral health. 

How many treatment sessions are needed? 

The number of treatment sessions needed for gingivitis varies based on individual factors like the severity of your dental condition and the specific treatment plan. 

Most cases can be treated with one or two professional cleaning sessions, during which scaling and polishing are performed to remove plaque and tartar buildup. After the initial treatment, follow-up appointments may be scheduled every three to six months to monitor gum health and prevent the recurrence of gingivitis. 

Conversely, in more severe cases or those with complications, additional treatments may be necessary, including further cleanings or consultations for advanced procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does gingivitis treatment take?

Initial treatment may take one or two appointments, each about 1-2 hours long. You can expect to see your condition significantly improve within 2 to 3 weeks of treatment.

Follow-up visits may be scheduled every 3 to 6 months for monitoring. 

Can gingivitis be cured?

Yes, gingivitis can be effectively treated and reversed with dental procedures such as scaling and proper oral hygiene.

Is gingivitis treatment painful?

Gingivitis treatment may vary for each individual, but it is generally well-tolerated and painless by most. You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity after your treatment, but this will quickly subside. Local anaesthesia may be provided to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Here at An Dental, we are dedicated to provide a variety of dental services for all your oral health needs. We believe in utilising up-to-date technologies for efficient and effective treatments, while prioritising patient comfort. With this in mind, we utilise the EMS AIRFLOW, using gentle vibrations, low noise, warm water, and fine-grained powder to clean teeth with reduced sensitivity for a more comfortable gingivitis treatment experience.