Gingivitis Treatment in South Jordan, UT

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, even a little, are the most common early sign. Red or swollen gums (healthy gums look coral pink and fit snugly against the teeth) also signal inflammation. Bad breath that doesn't resolve with brushing can be related. None of these are normal, and all of them can be reversed.

Gingivitis is often painless, which is part of why it's easy to ignore. Patients sometimes assume bleeding gums are just how their mouth is. That's not the case; it's a sign the tissue is inflamed and needs attention.

The vast majority of gingivitis cases are caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. When plaque stays there too long (typically more than 24 to 48 hours), the bacteria it contains irritate the gum tissue and inflammation follows.

Other contributing factors include hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty), certain medications that cause dry mouth, smoking, diabetes, and nutritional deficiencies. These make it easier for gingivitis to develop and harder to reverse without addressing the underlying cause.

For most patients, gingivitis treatment starts with a thorough professional cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar that's causing the inflammation. This is typically a standard prophylaxis, not a deep cleaning, because the problem is limited to the gumline and hasn't progressed below yet.

Alongside the cleaning, we spend time coaching you on home care. Often a small adjustment to brushing technique, a different type of floss, or adding an antimicrobial rinse is all it takes to reverse the inflammation. We'll recommend a follow-up visit in a few weeks to confirm the gums have healed.

Once gingivitis is resolved, keeping it away is straightforward: brush twice a day, floss once a day, come in for cleanings every six months. Patients who fall off the home-care wagon often see gingivitis return; patients who stay consistent rarely have it come back.

For patients with a history of gingivitis that keeps recurring, we may recommend more frequent cleanings (every three or four months) to stay ahead of the buildup cycle.