Gingivitis/Gum Disease Treatment in Arlington

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the beginning stage of periodontal disease. It is characterized by irritation, redness, swelling and bleeding of your gum tissue, most likely noticed when you are brushing or flossing.

How will you assess if I have gingivitis/gum disease?

Elite Dental's knowledgeable and caring hygienists will evaluate your gum health at each visit. Assessments include a yearly periodontal charting where the gum tissue is measured and digitally recorded, clinical examination, and yearly X-rays that are evaluated by our dentists and AI system (Overjet) that co-identify areas of bone loss or changes from past X-rays.

What are the potential implications of gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of your gum tissue. This inflammation activates your immune system and can create a stress response from your body. Left untreated, gingivitis (early periodontal disease) can eventually cause tooth loss due to bone loss, complications in pregnancy and increased risk for strokes and heart attack.

How can I prevent gingivitis?

The foundation of a healthy mouth is healthy gum and bone tissue, and this care starts at home! Proper brushing (twice daily) and flossing (daily) is not just to prevent cavities. While important to carefully brush all tooth surfaces, it is equally important to pay close attention to the area where the teeth meet the gum line. If not attended to, plaque and calculus can accumulate, causing the inflammation which leads to gingivitis, and potentially progressing to more severe periodontal disease.

Gingivitis alone is reversible. Removing the accumulated plaque daily with thorough flossing in a c-shape technique and gently brushing along the gumline at a 45 degree angle with a soft bristle electric toothbrush is the first step. Being seen for cleanings every 3, 4, or 6 months pending your specific needs is next. Our hygienists take the time to educate you on areas where more care may need to be focused, and discuss any adjunct products that may be beneficial in cleaning accumulated plaque effectively.

How does Elite Dental Center clean my teeth and help with gingivitis?

Those with healthy gum tissue will receive a cleaning with an ultrasonic water cleaner and hand scaling, or use of our new Guided Biofilm Therapy. As necessary, more frequent follow-up cleanings may be recommended, as well as the use of Laser Bacterial Reduction. Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) is a non-invasive, non-painful method to eliminate bacteria within the gingival pocket and prevent the progression of gum disease.

Schedule your appointment for periodontal evaluation by calling Elite Dental Center at 703-243-4500 or make an appointment online using our convenient scheduler.