When caught in the earliest stages, it is possible for the gums to fully heal from conditions like gingivitis. This cannot be said for more serious stages of the disease, including periodontitis. To ensure your gingivitis not only improves but does not reach this level of severity, you’ll need to start taking steps to improve your oral hygiene. To learn from your dentist in Corte Madera how long the healing process takes on average for gingivitis and what you should be doing going forward, continue reading.
How Long You Can Expect Healing to Take
Treating gingivitis starts with a professional cleaning from a dental professional. A dentist is trained to treat the disease that affects the gums, but they can provide additional tips to make your healing process easier at home.
Following this treatment, you’ll need to follow all recommendations from their office. Depending on how well you maintain these habits, as well as your body’s natural ability to heal, you can expect your gingivitis to take anywhere between one to two weeks to substantially improve. This will also help you avoid the more serious levels of gum disease in Corte Madera, including periodontitis which requires expensive dental treatment to resolve.
Key Oral Hygiene Habits to Perform
Treating gingivitis at home should include the following habits:
- Flossing Daily – Flossing is required to remove plaque and food debris from between teeth, especially in areas that often get missed such as in between the molars. Using a water flosser can also make the process easier.
- Finding a Toothbrush You Enjoy Using – It doesn’t matter if you use a manual, electric oscillating, or sonic toothbrush. What’s important is that you brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes when you do.
- Perfect Your Brushing Technique – Brushing at a 45-degree angle, cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth, and targeting your gum line are all great ways to make your oral hygiene even more comprehensive.
- Never Skip Your Routine – Brush at the same time every day to make it an unconscious habit.
Over the next several days, you should notice your gums are no longer bleeding during your brushing and flossing. If your gums do not improve after two weeks, call your dentist in Corte Madera as you may be dealing with tartar buildup. This calcified form of plaque can only be removed by a professional.
About the Author
Dr. Julie Young earned her dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association with more than two decades of experience. If you need periodontal treatment, Dr. Young offers deep cleanings, root cleanings, three-month periodontal recall appointments, and frequent monitoring of your oral health. Schedule an appointment on her website or call (415) 924-5300.
