7 Important Facts About Treatment for Gingivitis and Inflamed Gums

If your gums are sensitive or bleeding when you brush them, they are sending you a message. Taking care of gingivitis and inflamed gums early is the key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. If you’re concerned about your gums, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Drs. Jonathan and Gretchen Kelley at Kelley Family Dental Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

1. Professional Teeth Cleaning: The Foundation to Healthy Gums

After taking good care of your teeth at home, professional cleanings are the first line of defense in your oral care. They eliminate plaque that brushing misses and tartar that home care can’t remove. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone have a professional cleaning every six months, and the dentists at our office agree.

2. Deep Teeth Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

With scaling and root planing (also known as deep cleaning), you can fight more advanced stages of gum disease. Scaling reaches below the gum line, while root planing smooths out rough spots on the roots. That extra step cleans deep periodontal pockets. Sometimes, this can be done in one visit, but not always. Severe cases need a couple of visits, depending on the condition of your gums.

3. Gum Flap Surgery

If your pockets run deep and can’t be cleaned any other way, Dr. Kelley may recommend gum flap surgery. This procedure provides access to the gums, allowing the periodontist we work with to clean the roots directly. This helps restore gum health when other measures haven’t been effective.

4. Gum Grafting Techniques

In some cases, your gums may have pulled back too far. When this happens, grafting helps fill in the gap. This is performed by taking healthy tissue to rebuild what’s been lost. Gum grafting creates sturdy support and protects your roots. 

5. Practice a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine

To keep plaque from building up between cleanings, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. This simple list covers your basic routine:

• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. When brushing, angle the bristles toward your gums. 
• When flossing, glide the floss gently between your teeth. 
• Consider mouthwash if your dentist recommends it.
• Eat healthy foods and avoid sugary snacks and beverages. 
• Avoiding tobacco products will also improve your oral health. 

6. The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

The team at our office advises patients to visit every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. However, you may need to be seen more often if you have advanced gum disease. These routine checkups catch issues early before they become real problems. As a bonus, the team offers personalized guidance tailored to your individual gum health needs. 

Conditions such as diabetes and persistent stress make gum problems more likely. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels and reducing pressure on your body helps support gum healing. Tie that into regular visits to our office, and you’ll achieve better results across your overall health.

7. Your Source for Gingivitis Treatment in Albuquerque, New Mexico

For help with gingivitis care and inflamed gums, get in touch with Drs. Jonathan and Gretchen Kelley at Kelley Family Dental Center today at 505-207-3343. 

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